JOSEPH E. HELMBERGER

02/20/60 - 12/23/24

HELMBERGER

February 20, 1962 -

December 23, 2024

Farmersville - Joseph Edward Helmberger, born February 20, 1962, to the late Duane Charles Helmberger and the late Alice Frances Gottlob Helmberger, passed away on December 23, 2024 in Farmersville, TX surrounded by family in his home after battling cancer for 3 years.

Joe graduated from Wylie High School in 1980 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1984. He married the love of his life, Debra Susan Dombrowski Helmberger, in November 1984.

Joe dedicated his career to civil engineering, working for renowned firms such as Halff Associates, American Steam, Helmberger and Associates, and Kimley-Horn McKinney. He played a vital role in shaping the landscapes of North Texas, designing roadways and contributing to the development of thriving cities.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was known for his vibrant personality and zest for life. He was the life of every party, bringing joy and laughter to those around him. For fun he began to collect meat grinders which lead him on hunts across the United States. Each of his 829 grinders brought its own story from the people he met along the way.

His commitment to his community was evident through his active involvement in numerous committees and organizations. He was a strong advocate for supporting local businesses and dedicated himself to serving his family, his faith, and his community.

Joe achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14 and served as an altar server at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wylie. He was a 2nd degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, first joining in 1985, in Arlington, TX, then in Wylie, TX, and finally in McKinney, TX. His dedication to his faith was further demonstrated through his 40 years of service as a member of the St. Anthony choir, beginning at the age of 16.

His love of community led him to serve as the Mayor of Farmersville from May 2010 to April 2017. He also served on numerous committees throughout Collin County, including the Farmersville City Council, the Farmersville Economic Development Corporation, the Farmersville Planning and Zoning Commission, the Farmersville Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board, the Farmersville Independent School District Board, the Collin County Planning Board (where he served as Vice Chair in 2015 and Chair in 2016), the Texas Water Development Board, and the North Texas Groundwater Conservation District Board from 2015 to 2023. He was also actively involved in various community organizations such as the Wylie Chamber of Commerce (where he served as director and president), the Farmersville Chamber of Commerce (where he served as director and president), the Farmersville Centennial Committee, the Farmersville Annual Trick It Up bike ride committee (serving as director for several years), the Farmersville Audie Murphy Day Committee (serving as director for several years) the Northeast Texas Trail Board, the Chaparral Trail Board, the Wylie Rotary (where he served as director and president), the Farmersville Rotary (where he served as director and president), the Farmersville Athletic Association (serving as president), Little League Softball Coach, the St. Anthony Catholic Church Wylie Remodeling Committee, and the St. Anthony Catholic Church Wylie Cemetery Committee.

Joe will be deeply missed by his wife, Debra; their 7 surviving children, Duane Charles Helmberger II and wife, Mechelle of Stillwater, OK, Timothy Harold Helmberger, and wife Kate of Farmersville, TX, Allyson Jean West and husband Philip Kurtz of Cincinnati, Jared Anton Helmberger and wife, Lauren of McKinney, TX, Kristen Nicole Helmberger of Los Angeles, CA, Stephanie Lynn Helmberger of Denver, CO, and Chester John Helmberger and girlfriend, K'Leigh Nierste of Farmersville, TX; 7 grandchildren, Collin Thomas Helmberger, Caroline Ava Helmberger, Coleman Joseph Helmberger, Olive Bernadette Kurtz, Calvin James Kurtz, Elliot Ryan Helmberger, Theodore Becc Helmberger; 11 Siblings Patti Marks and husband, Lyle of Omaha, Tx, Janet Grinyer and husband Walter of Riverside, CA , Steven Helmberger and his wife Katrina of Lavon, Donna Barry and her husband Blake of St. Charles, Illinois, Lori Dunlop and her husband Peter of China Springs, TX, Robert Helmberger and his wife Kristina of Van Alstyne, TX, Mary Jo Garcia and her husband Adriel of Wylie, TX, Charles Helmberger and his wife Bridget of Quinlan, David Helmberger and his wife Shawnna of Sachse, TX, Randy Helmberger and his fiance Heather of Caddo Mills, and Katherine Helmberger of Crowley; 6 Godchildren, Nick Marks, Morgan Clapp, Erienne Richie, Karissa Putnam, Elaina Helmberger, and Jordan Helmberger as well as more nieces and nephews than Baskin Robbins has ice cream flavors, as well as countless friends and colleagues.

Joe was preceded in death by daughter Rebecca Susan Helmberger, a sister, Karen Sue Helmberger, and his parents, Duane Charles Helmberger and Alice Frances Gottlob Helmberger.

Visitation begins at 10:00am with the Rosary at 11:00am on 12/26 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 404 N. Ballard Ave, Wylie, TX 75098.

Funeral Mass at 10:30am on 12/27 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 404 N. Ballard Ave., Wylie, TX 75098.

Joe often told his work family to always be productive because, “There's only 36 hours in the day,” but to those he considered friends he said, “It's 4:30 o'clock somewhere.