George William Heltzel, 83, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on August 15, 2026. Born June 28, 1943, in Kokomo, Indiana, George was raised in the community he would always call home, one of two children, and a 1962 graduate of Kokomo High School.
Over the years, George built a life defined by steady work, quiet integrity, and a genuine care for others. He was employed as a custodian for Delco Electronics, retiring in 1998. Prior to that, he worked at Heltzel’s Produce and Fruit store. In every role, George was known for being dependable and fair—someone who did the job the right way, treated people well, and offered help without hesitation.
In 1964, George married Ruth (Scott) Heltzel. Together they shared a life and raised two children. George’s devotion to family showed not only in what he provided, but in the patience, thoughtfulness, and steady presence he brought to everyday moments.
George found joy in the simple pleasures that bring people together. He loved car shows and took special pride in his “Fatboy 40,” which earned several awards. He enjoyed bowling, collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, sprint car races at the Kokomo Track, and spending time playing board games and cards with friends and family—often with a well-timed sense of humor that made the room lighter. He also loved watching sports like basketball and football, game shows, and, yes, the Hallmark channel. Just as meaningful were the routines he cherished: meeting friends for breakfast and lunch, sharing conversation, and keeping close the connections that mattered.
George was a member of “The Rusty Nuts Car Club,” a place where his enthusiasm for cars and his easy generosity of spirit were right at home.
George is survived by his daughter, Julie Doud (Eric); his son, William Todd Heltzel; grandchildren, Katelin Doud (Wes Blevins), Alex Heltzel (Cassie), Jacob Heltzel (Dara), Jessica Heltzel (Mason), and Amber Doud; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Doud, Xyaine Doud, Gwen Galley, and Shane Galley; his sister, Synda Brooks; his sister-in-law, Regina Sakaguchi; his sister-in-law, Nora Powell; nieces, Diane Carter (David), Dawn Kominski (Chuck), Chandra Stradling (Don), Angela Arata (Frank), and Lauren Hundley; nephews, Donald "Tommy" Brooks (Christine), Josh Schick (Dawn), and Neil Carboneau (Christine); and a Future Grandbaby. George is also survived by many more great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann Heltzel; his grandson, Matthew Doud; his father, Donald Heltzel; his mother, Bonnie Heltzel; his brother-in-law, Neville Tom Brooks; his brother-in-law, Jerry Sakaguchi; his brother-in-law, Keith Powell; his nephew, Marty Hundley.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, on August 21, 2026, from 1:00 pm, until the time of the funeral service at 3:00 pm. George will be buried immediately following his service at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
