Helmut Kelm

Helmut Kelm, 92, was born in Germany on January 11, 1933. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his children at Regional Hospice in Danbury, CT on the day of his lucky #'s of one and seven, August 17, 2025.

Helmut immigrated to the United States from Germany and arrived on Liberty Island, and never looked back. He became a proud American and called it "Greatest Place America".

Son of the late Ida Vogel and Christlieb Kelm, Helmut is survived by his wonderful children, Robert Kelm and his wife Diane, Thomas Kelm and his wife Allison, and Liza Lopez who he would give his everything. He will be greatly missed by his 7 grandchildren; his sister, Lina, who was also his best friend; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Helmut was also predeceased by his loving girlfriend of 30 years, Rina, who he met on the dance floor at a social club; and his son-in-law, Joseph Lopez.

His career as a truck driver for the Teamsters lasted over two decades. He was the proud recipient of the Million Mile Club Award, a distinguished honor given to drivers who never had an accident in over a million miles on the road.

Helmut resided in Freehold, NJ where he enjoyed going to harness races and taking trips to Atlantic City with his girlfriend Rina. He was passionate about sports, and especially enjoyed soccer which he played in Germany during his youth and continued to be a fan of it for his entire life.

Helmut would want everyone to remember him by always keeping the coffee hot, laughing often, and by loving life and family.

Visitation will be held at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction on Wednesday, August 20th from 4 - 7 pm with a brief service at 7 pm. Burial will take place on Friday at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, 801 Route 9, Fishkill on Friday, August 22nd at 11 am.

Please visit Helmut's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.