HELLMICH, Richard Leo passed away at his home on April 28, 2025, surrounded by loving members of his family and holding the hand of his beloved wife. He was born on February 4, 1937, in Greensburg, Indiana, the son of the late Leo and Gladys (Miller) Hellmich. On September 11, 1954, Richard and Phyllis Mae Beagle were married by Father Ziemer of St. Mary’s Church. They were thrilled to be married and to start their family, which grew to 10 children over the next 18 years. Richard and Phyllis created a loving and fun home and naturally taught their children to work hard, treat people with respect, and get a good education. Most profoundly, they showed their children the love of family. Their boundless love was evident when they opened their hearts and home to Kyle Scheidler after the loss of his parents.
Richard was a dedicated member of the Greensburg community. He coached youth baseball, assisted his children in delivering the morning newspaper for 25 years, proudly supported Greensburg Pirates athletics, and was always ready to lend a hand to neighbors in need. He retired from American Manufacturing in 1999, where he worked in payroll and accounting, and was proud that he could remember every employee’s clock number, right up to the end. Richard found joy in photography, gardening, and beekeeping as well as making his famous fried chicken, chili sauce and goetta, taking walks with Phyllis, and spending time with his family. He took pride in his home and stripped all the oak woodwork and wallpapered the rooms to create a beautiful Victorian home. A prankster to the end, he had a quick wit and a great sense of humor, a dancing smile and playful bright blue eyes. Richard was a kind and gentle man who quietly exemplified the art of listening, patience, and perseverance. Even as life took its toll in his later years, he never complained – teaching lasting lessons through his grit and grace. But most of all, Richard loved his sweetheart Phyllis. He loved to share the sweet story of how they first met in their strollers when their mothers stopped to chat – a moment he always called love at first sight. He was a devoted family man who cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with boundless love.
We have been blessed by the life of Richard Hellmich. Seventy years after his remarkable wedding to Phyllis, we celebrate a legacy that lives through Phyllis, the love of his life, their 10 children, 22 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren; through the partners who joined their growing family; and through his sister, extended relatives, and countless friends whose lives he touched. In his final years, Richard was lovingly cared for by his son Michael and daughter Vickie whose steady devotion and support were both essential and deeply comforting. Richard also found comfort in the gentle companionship and playfulness of Meike, Michael’s loyal German Shepherd.
Richard was preceded in death by his son Philip; his brothers Bobby and David, his parents Leo and Gladys (Miller) Hellmich, and mother-in-law Mary (Thomas) Martz; his nieces Sherry (Wagner) Lewis and Jennifer (Wise) Hicks; and his son-in-law James Bozdech. He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis, and a large and loving family, including his children and their families: Richard II (Christine Cook; child Allyse Hellmich [Nick DeBonis; child Sophia]); Vickie Hellmich-Bozdech (stepchildren Jennifer Anders and Kirsten Rupper); Thomas (Lou Ann Bunker-Hellmich; children Emily Hellmich [Wayne Fan; child Max FanHellmich], Kate Clement [Jeff Clement; child Ronan], and Hannah); David (Linda (Berger); children Lara Hendlin [Josh; children Natalie and Noah], Caitlin Trebelhorn [Brendon; children Tove Mae and James David], and Mary); Steven (Anita Clark; and from his earlier marriage to Erin Sizer, children Erica Hellmich [Jason Aluague] and Will [Nicole Bradshaw; child Mabel]); Sue Nitchen (Dan; children Dane [Kirah (McConnell)], Sabina Danielle-Mae, and Anya); Trevor (Jamie (Lay); children Jacob, Madeline [Anthony Treash], Emma, and Luke); Jim (Jennifer (Simpson); children Morgan, Evan, and Adam); Michael; and Kyle Scheidler (Jennifer (Zentz); children Stella, Thomas, and Gretchen). Richard is also survived by his sister Janet Hellmich (child Jason Wise; children Maximus [Rylie (Scott)], Jackson, Wyatt) and granddaughter Taylor Morgan Burt (mother Jennifer Hicks deceased); and child Belle); Karen (Beagle) Bauer (Travis; children Jenny [Loni Walker] and Mary Sizemore [Chris; child Claire]); and Peggy (Beagle) Wagner (Roger; children Michelle Gasper [Dan; children Michael [Makayla (Marksberry); child Colton]; David [Jessica (Buening); children Joseph and Dominic]; Matthew, and Amy], and Julie McKittrick [Jason; children Elizabeth and Emily], and grandchildren Jennifer (Lewis) Tunny [Jesse; children Gabriella and Penelope] and Katie (Lewis) Eckstein [Daniel].
Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1331 E Hunter Robbins Way, Greensburg, IN) on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM with Rosary at 11:00 AM and Mass at 11:30 AM, followed by a reception. Condolences may be made online at http://www.gilliland-howe.com. Donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School (1331 E Hunter Robbins Way, Greensburg, IN) or Greensburg Community Bread of Life (720 Randall Street, Greensburg, IN).
