Melvin Martin Helmreich

The Lord called Melvin home to be reunited with his wife of 59 years, Louise, on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Bay Shores Senior Care in Bay City at the age of 90. He was born on August 16, 1934 to the late Martin and Elsie (Erlenbeck) Helmreich in Bay City, Michigan. He was baptized at St. John Amelith Church, confirmed and a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Monitor, where he also held several Church offices. He was drafted into the United States Army from April of 1957 to April of 1959.

Melvin grew up on his dad’s farm on Hotchkiss Road, which gave him his love for farming and his work ethic. At 18, he started his 37-year career with Saginaw Steering Gear and in February, he was retired for 35 years.

At his cousin Karen’s wedding, he met the love of his life, Louise. They shared a Polka dance and the rest was history. They married on April 25, 1964 and their journey started out by building a house and starting their own family farm, where they lived and worked together for almost 60 years. Melvin and Louise loved to Polka and would travel near and far to catch a dance. They were also a big part of the LFA Hall, he hired many bands to come play at a Sunday afternoon dance, Christmas and New Years Eve parties. He cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, making many memories that will last a lifetime.

Melvin is survived by his children, Amy (Ken) Wegener, Faye Hamel (David Lasecki) and Leslie (Lori) Helmreich; grandchildren, Kayla Hamel, Crystal (Ryan), Mark and Melissa Wegener and Sydney and Riley Helmreich; great grandson, Keygan Hamel and one great grandchild due in July; brother, Wayne (Joann) Helmreich; sister-in-law, Marie Helmreich and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Louise, he was preceded in death by his brother’s, Nelson Helmreich and Kenneth Helmreich; sister-in-law, Lois Helmreich; brother-in-law, Lloyd Guettler and nephew, Gregory Helmreich.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Comfort Wings, especially Amy and April, for the amazing Homecare they gave to Melvin. They would also like to say thank you to everyone that helped out in taking care of him while he was at home during these last few months.

Funeral Service for Melvin will take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church of Monitor with Military Honors and interment to follow at the Lutheran home Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Seth Kaiser. The family will be present to receive visitors at Gephart Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Monitor, Trinity Lutheran School of Monitor or Covenant VNA Hospice.