Fowlerville News and Views Online

 Richard Helzerman

Richard Helzerman, 80, died January 18, 2022 at his home in Newburgh, IN. Richard was born December 25, 1941 in Detroit, MI. He grew up in Fowlerville, MI as the eldest of seven children born to the late Theodore Helzerman and Ruth Lucks Helzerman.

He is preceded in death by his first wife of 38 years, Ruth Tremble Helzerman as well as his brother Ronald Helzerman.

Surviving him is his wife of nearly 20 years, Brenda Helzerman of Newburgh, IN, along with his four children and their spouses: Randall Helzerman and his wife Catherine Helzerman of New York, NY, Rochelle (Shelley) Helzerman Houser and her husband Bill Houser of Newburgh, IN, Rosemarie (Marcey) Helzerman Hilt and her husband Gary Hilt of Danville, KY, and Ryan Helzerman and his estranged wife Robin Helzerman of Blacklick, OH.

Also surviving him are his five grandsons: Alex Houser and Adam Houser of Newburgh, IN, and Lucas Helzerman, Felix Helzerman, and Asher Helzerman of Blacklick, OH. Also surviving him are his siblings and their families: sister-in-law Jane Helzerman of Fowlerville, MI, his brother Ed Helzerman and his wife Diann Helzerman of Fowlerville, MI, brother Raymond Helzerman and his wife Karen of Citrus Heights, CA, brother Doug Helzerman and his wife Sandy Helzerman of Fowlerville, MI, brother Larry Helzerman and his wife Debbie Helzerman of St. Charles, MO, and sister Marjorie (Helzerman) Smith of Howell, MI.

Richard was the beloved Pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Newburgh from its founding in 1986 to the present. He took on emeritus status in 2016. Over the course of his career, Richard was an adjunct faculty member of the University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana, Henderson Community College, IVY Tech, and ITT Technical Institute. He taught courses in mathematics and physics. Richard held degrees from Michigan State University and Arizona State University, where he was a member of the first graduating class conferred the newly-created “Master of Computer Science” title in 1966. Early in his career, Richard was a pioneer in database computer programming, specializing in bringing software-based automation to more than 30 Southern Indiana corporations.

He was active in community affairs, championing the cause of overcrowding in the Vanderburgh County Jail. He served on the Yankeetown Water Board for many years. He also helped over 10,000 people quit smoking by co-leading the Breathe Free Plan to Stop Smoking—a local support group with a 93% long-term success rate. He was the organist for the Howell United Methodist Church for over a decade.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Alexander Funeral Home, Newburgh Chapel. Visitation is Sunday January 30 from 10:00am-2:00pm. Memorial Service will be at 3:00pm, followed by Graveside Service at Bates Hill Cemetery in Newburgh, IN.