It is with heavy hearts and deep love that the Helscher family announces the passing of Kurt Anton Helscher, a devoted husband, cherished father and grandfather, loyal brother, uncle, and friend to many. Kurt passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his beloved family and dear friends. He was 75 years old.
Kurt was born on March 11, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Harold Helscher and the late Elaine Saunee Helscher. One of six children, Kurt was raised in Chalmette, where he attended school and graduated from Chalmette High School in 1968. He continued his education at USL (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), majoring in Physical Education. During his college years, he became a proud member of Theta Xi fraternity, maintaining strong and lasting bonds with his fraternity brothers throughout his life.
It was at USL that Kurt met the love of his life in a serendipitous moment arranged by a friend: a tutoring session with Denise Mestayer. That meeting began a beautiful love story. Kurt and Denise married on June 15, 1974, and shared 51 wonderful years of marriage, raising their daughter Ashley and building a life rooted in love, laughter, and family.
Kurt began his career as a coach in his hometown of Chalmette, before he and Denise returned to Lafayette, the city where they first met. There, Kurt began a successful career with Hub City Ford, where he excelled in sales and eventually advanced to management. His dedication and achievements were celebrated with trips and recognition from the Citron family. Later, following his passion for mentorship and youth sports, Kurt returned to coaching at Jeanerette Middle and Jeanerette High School, where he faithfully served for over 20 years.
Outside of work, Kurt was a true sports enthusiast. He was a loyal fan of the ULL Ragin’ Cajuns and the New Orleans Saints, always cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm. He was also dedicated to fitness and community, faithfully attending early morning coffee gatherings at Baron’s Health Club.
But above all, Kurt's greatest love was for his family. He and Denise created a life full of treasured memories—vacations to Disney (where they spent their honeymoon), family gatherings at Perdido Key, and adventures to San Antonio, Hot Springs, and beyond. His devotion to family was the heart of his life, and he reveled in the immense joy and pride it brought to him.
Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we take comfort in the promise of eternal life and the hope of being reunited with him one day in Heaven. Until that time, Kurt’s memory will live on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, and the deep love he gave so freely.
Kurt is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 51 years, Denise Mestayer Helscher; his loving daughter, Ashley Helscher Buteau, and her husband, Ray "Johnny" Buteau, Jr.; his cherished grandchildren, Brittni Romero, Koen Cassisa, and Austyn Buteau; and his siblings, Jan Martinec (David), Elaine Gaille, Mark F. Helscher, and Denise Strauss (Bob).
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Lynn Causey; and his brother-in-law, Rick Gaille.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Kurt at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in New Iberia, with Fr. Keith Landry officiating. Following the Mass, Kurt will be laid to rest at Holy Family Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, July 7, at Evangeline Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the Men’s Rosary Group leading the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. dismissal.
Pallbearers will be family members and close friends.
In honor of Kurt’s memory, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and fond memories by visiting www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
