Helmut Hertle, 90, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away July 24. Born in Augsburg, Germany on March 24, 1931. Helmut proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1967. His love of ships and the sea began at 18 inspecting ship parts which inspired him to further his education. He served and studied on his first ship for 38 months to obtain his ship’s engineer certification. As ship’s engineer and later as Operations Director he visited over 150 countries and many more ports.
In 1960 Helmut was hired by W. R. Lovett as Chief Engineer of the Ariadne. In short time he was promoted to Vice President of Operations and Engineering overseeing port operations for all passengers and cargo ships. This was followed by an array of promotions expanding his responsibilities as Operations Manager for the Swannee Steam Ship Company’s world-wide operations. Helmut retired in 2012 ending his 52-year career as Operations Director of Commodores Point.
Helmut’s passion for the sea and devotion to his adopted country was apparent to all as he dedicated innumerable hours to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. As an active member of the Auxiliary, he provided security for vessels being loaded for Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and the G-8 summit. Helmut was also appointed Head of Security for the 1996 Olympic Games water ways for the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Savanah, Georgia. Following his promotion to Commodore he served as Commodore U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary District 7, the auxiliary’s largest district. He ended his 35 years of service leading a Directorate on the National Staff.
He was married to Carol Barrett on November 7, 1974, whom he loved and adored.
Helmut had a deep admiration and respect for the sea, the many countries he visited, and was an enthusiast of the history and geography of the world with everything regarding it. He was very passionate about reading and reveled in the joy of classical music. He excelled at horsemanship and favored western movies. Helmut always had a soft spot in his heart for any living creature not limited to dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. Above all, his family was truly the core of his life, followed by his many friends, and most of all his love for God. He cherished his extended family and friends never failing to express how much the people in his life meant to him. He was a stalwart Christian and lead his life in a way that made it clear to all, he was a man of God.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Carol Barrett Hertle of Jacksonville; His devoted daughter, Heidi Gwendolyn Dawn Hertle-Soto (Edward) of Bostwick; His cherished grandchildren, Hanna Magdalena Luycx; Julia Elise Luycx; Joseph Anthony Luycx (Brittney); Jamie Marie Ammons (Mika); And 14 nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Helmut will be held Monday, August 2, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250. A mass of Christian burial will occur Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St.Paul's Catholic Church, 435 1st Ave North, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250. Followed by a committal service at Arlington Park Cemetery, 6920 Lone Star Road Jacksonville 32211.
The family requests donations be made to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, designated to the Arlington Flotilla, in lieu of flowers.
Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.
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