John Alfred Hellmuth, Jr., 83 years, of Hershey, NE, died Friday, January 23, 2015, at the North Platte Care Center.
John was born on August 24, 1931, to John Sr. and Esther Carrie Braatz Hellmuth at Brookfield, WI. In 1947 the family moved to Keenesburg, CO. John graduated high school in 1950 then moved to Hershey, NE that summer to play baseball and has lived there ever since. He worked at Ted’s Store as a meat cutter and did so until 1978 when he bought the store from Ted Young.
On August 7, 1955, John married Betty Ann Stevenson at the Maria Lutheran Church. Over the years John played an active role in the Hershey community where he served as mayor, was on the School Board and Village Board, and was president and charter member of the Lions Club. While he was mayor, John and Betty had the honor of joining President Ronald Reagan for lunch when he visited North Platte.
John was a supporter of youth activities which included Hershey School sports, music events and the Summer Youth Program. He was also a member and church board treasurer at Maria Lutheran Church.
John had a zest for life. He was a very giving and welcoming person, and rarely without a smile. His excellent sense of humor allowed him to share that smile with others. He thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with family and loved ones.
John will be missed by his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty, of Hershey; sons, Jason (Loretta) Hellmuth, of Lincoln, NE, and Jared Hellmuth, of Hershey; daughter, Janice (Neal) Creekpaum, of Blair, NE; four grandchildren, Bryson (Skyler), Baylor, Ryan and Amanda Hellmuth; and several nieces, nephews and other family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John, Sr. and Esther; brother, Jerry; and his sister, Shirley Edwards.
Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2015, at the Maria Lutheran Church with Pastor Erin Dunlavy officiating. Inurnment will be 2 p.m. in the North Platte Cemetery. The memorial book can be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday with family greeting friends from 4 to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Memorials are suggested to the Hershey Youth Baseball Program or Maria Lutheran Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.