Alvin "Al" N. Helfrich

Alvin “Al” Nicholas Helfrich, 89, of Waterloo, IL, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday August 23, 2023. Al was born on May 19, 1934, in Paderborn, IL to George and Theresa (Schoenborn) Helfrich and they precede him in death. He was also preceded in death by all of his siblings: Emil Helfrich, Richard Helfrich, Wilbert Helfrich, infant Bridget Helfrich, Bertha Neff, Ida Neff and Lorraine Lickenbrock as well as his grandson Michael (Trisha Pearson) Hauser.

Al proudly served his country in the United States Army. He lived in Millstadt for 42 years before moving to Waterloo after his retirement. He worked for Golden Dipt, later Kerry Ingredients in Millstadt for 34 years in various roles. Al was a member of St. James Catholic Church of Millstadt for 64 years and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Over 50 Club and was a founding member of the Millstadt Coon Hunters Club. Al loved hunting and gardening and tending to his lakes, stocking each one with curated fish. He was a talented grill master and loved preparing grilled meals for his family. Al was a devoted animal lover of both tame domestic animals as well as non-traditional pets. He especially loved parrots and leaves behind his beloved yellow nape, Pete. Most of all, Al loved spending time with his family and friends, and he will be remembered as being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and dear friend.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 64 years, Roselin “Rosie” Helfrich, nee Skaer, whom he married on May 14, 1959; his children: Randy (Karen) Helfrich, Jeff (the late Rita) Helfrich, Jim (Melissa) Helfrich, Sandy (Glyn) Ramage and Stacey Colbert; his grandchildren: Brad Helfrich, Kassie (Sean) Martin, Brett Helfrich, Nicole (Brandon) Gibbons, Jordan Helfrich, Max Helfrich, Alyssa Ramage, Alexis (Carson Banks) Colbert, Cierra Colbert, Ryan Helfrich, Taylor Helfrich, Ashley (Kory Johnson) Colbert, Brooke (Dan) Meanor, Dustin (Kate) Ramage; Great-Grandchildren: Michaela Martin, Emma Martin, Dylan Martin, Braxton Tite, Ashton Hauser, Gage Racine, Brinley Gibbons, Lyla Johnson, River Banks, Grayson Ramage, Sydney Meanor, Drake Ramage, Piper Meanor and Addie Ramage in addition to extended family and many beloved friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday August 28, 2023, from 9:00am-11:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, 405 W. Madison Street, Millstadt, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am with Msgr. Marvin Volk, officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Millstadt, IL with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. James Catholic Church, 405 W. Madison St. Millstadt, IL 62260 or to Family Hospice, 5110 W. Main St. Belleville, IL 62226.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.