02/20/2023
It is with great sadness, but fond memories, we regret to inform our customers and colleagues of the passing of Milt Helmer on Saturday, February 18, 2023. We lost him due to a heart condition. Simply said he put his heart into everything he did during his life and it finally had nothing left to give so he left us for a place that needed him more. We will miss his smile, his laughter, his caring questions, and his willingness to help whenever asked.
Milt, or “Uncle Milt” as we (Scott, Jenny, and I) referred to him long before we became part of Helmer Printing, was an outstanding mentor and business partner. He was a fantastic uncle as well.
Long before I sat in on his training sessions on how to sell advertising and printing, I would sit across from him at family dinners and enjoy his wonderful stories and good natured humor. One of the earliest memories was waiting impatiently as a 7-year-old at our home for Uncle Milt to come over because he promised to be the umpire for our ball game.
Among his many talents was cartooning and free-hand sign painting. He was extremely artistic and had a flair for creating successful advertising campaigns. He also had a flair for pulling a prank or two on some of his closest friends and relatives in his younger days.
Milt was generous with his time for others and civic organizations. He was a leader in the Free Paper Industry and was often looked upon for answers and ideas. Countless times our phone would ring in Beldenville, and an owner or publisher of an Independent Free Paper from anywhere across North America would ask to speak to Milt to help them solve an issue they were having with their company. No matter how tired he was from a long day tending to his Helmer Printing duties he would take the call and do whatever he could to help.
Milt cared deeply about local businesses being successful and made sure it was a theme we built Helmer Printing upon. His deep devotion to business is rivaled only by his care and love for his family.
We miss you Milt. God Bless You! Greet Grandma Gertrude and Grandpa Clayton for us. I am sure they are waiting to tell you how proud they are of you.
Mark Helmer, Scott Helmer, Jenny Helmer and the Helmer Printing family.