Sep 4, 1922 - Jan 8, 2017
Helmut was the first born to Mathilda and Jakob Gebhardt on September 4, 1922 in Lichtenthal, Bessarabia, Romania.
At the age of two, his mother and he joined Jakob in Canada, as he had travelled earlier to Canada; first landing in Halifax and then on to Saskatchewan. They stayed a couple of years and moved to Alberta due to the drought. Sister Molly was born during this time. They moved to the Paintearth area near Castor. Helmut helped his father farm and during this time Annie, Lily, Frieda and Esther were born. He then went to Edmonton and started a Diesel Automotive course. He was not able to finish the course due to being called home to assist his father on the farm.
Helmet met Emma Disterheft at friends of his parents, where she was staying. They developed a relationship and married in Forestburg in 1955. They moved to a farm in the Red Willow area, where they farmed for many years and raised their four children; Linda arriving in 1956, Carl in 1957, Andrew in 1960 and Timothy in 1962.
Farm life was rewarding, but with it came many hardships. Helmut and Emma worked hard, times were tough. There would be times when he had to take on part time jobs to survive and pay bills. They also had a large vegetable garden. Neighbours helped one another, which was also a time to socialize. When the children were in High School, Helmut became ill. The children had to help take the crop off that year and then they had a farm sale and moved to Stettler. Helmut's health improved and he found a job at Co-op Implements.
Tragedy struck in 1983 when Tim, the youngest sons' life was taken. Helmut decided it was time to retire and to go fishing and do some travelling which took them to Hawaii and Mexico. He would also go out to the farm and help Andy with harvesting; and enjoyed going to Carl's to look at the trees. Tragedy struck again in 2011 with the loss of son Andy and grandson Jarrett. This was very hard on Helmut and Emma. They continued on with life, Helmut enjoyed the garden and would help Emma plant it; he also enjoyed the apple trees. Helmut had many projects, he liked going to the Auction Market and he would tinker in his garage, repair items for neighbours, roto till gardens and even make violins!
But most of all they enjoyed socializing and going for coffee with friends. Helmut and Emma moved into Paragon Place but with age they were not able to do many things. Helmut became Emma's caregiver. He was loyal to her, as his wedding vows said "in sickness and in health." Helmut missed Emma so much and was very lonely. He is now with Emma, Andy, Tim and Jarrett in a much better place. We will always love him and think of the happy memories in our hearts. Rest in Peace, Helmut.
Helmut is survived by son Carl (Yvonne) Gebhardt of Stettler, daughter Linda (Douglas) Lavoie of Calgary and daughter-in-law Brenda Gebhardt of Donalda; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sisters Molly Kuefler of Wetaskiwin and Esther Trefz of Red Deer; other relatives and many dear friends.
Helmut was predeceased by his wife Emma; sons Tim and Andy Gebhardt; grandson Jarrett Gebhardt; sisters Annie (Otto) Straub, Lily (Fred) Straub and Frieda (Carl) Turigan; brothers-in-law Clement Kuefler and Robert Trefz.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Peter Lutheran Church with Rev. Jonathan Aicken officiating, Douglas and Linda Lavoie, Brenda and Melissa Gebhardt gave loving tributes. Doug McKay presented his gift of music for the hymns and Yvonne Gebhardt led the singing of Amazing Grace.
Helmut was laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery with Doug McKay, Jason Gebhardt, Melissa Gebhardt, Bill Turigan, Douglas Lavoie and Jaron Jahner as pallbearers. Family and friends gathered in the Education Wing for a time of fellowship and a luncheon served by the Lutheran Ladies.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your own choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium.
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium
403-742-3422, entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.