Aloysius “Al” Gasper Hellmers, 96, of New Orleans, passed away peacefully Friday, July 13, 2018 surrounded by family. He was born to the late Aloysius and Annie Hellmers on March 6, 1922. A true American hero, Al served in the 1st Marine Division Weapons Company in World War II. He fought bravely in arguably some of the toughest battles of the war, Peleliu, Okinawa, and Guadalcanal where he was injured and awarded a Purple Heart for his service and bravery. He was the last surviving member of his platoon on the beach in Pelelui. While serving over seas he met the last emperor of China and was awarded a medal, and he drove Chiang Kai Shek’s wife, Madame Chiang, around as sergeant in arms. After returning from the war, he married the late Elizabeth ‘Betty” Hartenstein and fathered three children, Michael, Stephen, and Barbara. Al worked as an electrician for Kaiser in New Orleans for over 30 years until retirement. A true New Orleanian, he rebuilt his home in Lakeview by hand three times due to hurricanes Camille, Betsy, and Katrina. He was famous for his hard work, will power, and determination. He did his very best at everything he did. He enjoyed sharing his wisdom, talking about old times and the war, watching sports, and playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Al is preceded in death by his parents, Al and Annie Hellmers, his beloved wife, Betty Hellmers, brother, Gustave Hellmers, nephew, David Lailheugue, and his sisters, Antoinette Fernandez, Vera Hellmers, Jean Lailheugue, and Clara Hellmers. He is survived by his three children, Michael Hellmers, Stephen Hellmers, Barbara Hinrichs, his grandchildren, Ryan Hellmers, Jennifer Quigley, Vanessa Morrison, Jeffrey Hellmers, Dennis Hinrichs, Amy Hellmers, Angela Brister, Emily Weatherford, Christina Kelpsch, and 14 great grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Saturday July 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM followed by a 1:00 PM Memorial Mass at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., near Clearview Pkwy in Metairie, LA.
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