Valentin Helmerich

MARTINEZ, Ga. - Mr. Valentin “Vally” Helmerich, 88, beloved husband of the late Gertrud Helmerich, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, September 6, 2013 at home surrounded by his family.

A memorial service will be held at Platt’s Funeral Home, 337 North Belair Road, Evans GA on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 6:00 PM.

Mr. Helmerich was born in Saal, Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1953. While living in New York, he met and married the love of his life, Trudi and together they raised their two daughters. Mr. Helmerich was a master baker specializing in cake decorating and worked for many years at the Jay-Dee Bakery in Queens, New York. In 1995, Mr. and Mrs. Helmerich relocated to Martinez, GA to be closer to their daughters. Mr. Helmerich enjoyed painting with oils and created many beautiful landscapes and cityscapes. His grandsons fondly called him Opa and his greatest joy was spending time with them. He loved soccer and animals, especially his granddog, Io.

Mr. Helmerich is survived by his sister, Gerda Liebler of Euerdorf, Germany; daughter Susan Holland and her husband William Holland of Cary, NC; daughter Carol Helmerich of Martinez, GA; and grandsons Steven Holland and Samuel Holland of Cary, NC and Christopher Helmerich of Martinez, GA. Our dear Opa will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched during the 88 precious years that God granted him on this earth.

The family welcomes memorials to the American Heart Association, 1105 Furys Ln Ste D, Augusta, GA 30907.