Joan Bertino Helmke

She was born May 20, 1932 in Walnut Creek, CA to Joseph Bertino and Susie Gibbons. She was next to youngest of 12 children. The siblings were musically talented and performed together in venues and on the radio for several years in the northern California area. At the age of 7, Joan performed at the 1939 World’s Fair in San Francisco and won $ 25 and a cup for her singing and yodeling act. The advent of WWII broke up the group as the brothers enlisted and the sisters took jobs for the war effort. She graduated from Arcata High School in 1952 and wanted to become a PE teacher. She married Leon Helmke on June 11, 1953 in Santa Rosa, CA and became an Air Force wife. She had the opportunity to live in various state-side bases as well as in Germany. She followed her interest in teaching by teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for many years. She served as an assistant basketball coach for a high school girls’ club league team in Germany. She served as a Girl Scout leader and PTA room mother. After Leon retired from the Air Force, she participated in several entrepreneurial ventures with him. She returned to New Braunfels in 1978 and worked as a bookkeeper for Community Council of South Central Texas for many years. She was involved in the Eagles Auxiliary. She was also active with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 35 serving at the local, district, and state levels. She was named an Unsung Hero in 2016 for her support of veterans.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Leon; her parents; and her 11 siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Marcie; sister-in-law, Brenda Helmke; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family thanks ComForCare Home Care (Chad, Retta, Glori) for their dedicated service.

A celebration of life will be held 11:00 am Saturday, July 18 at New Braunfels Christian Church, 734 North Loop 337, New Braunfels. Arrangements are under the direction of Zoeller Funeral Home. Donations may be made to New Braunfels Christian Church.