Helmut Horst “Helm” Stachowske

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Helmut H. “Helm” Stachowske, 77, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, July 19 at 11 AM at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 121 Kline St., Benton Harbor, with Pastor Nathan Buch officiating. Friends may visit the family one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Cemetery with Military Rites being performed by North Berrien Military Rites Team. Memorial contribution may be made to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Helm was born on July 26, 1943, in Germany to Reinhard & Olga (Fritz) Stachowske. In December of 1951, his parents, Helm, and his two brothers boarded a military ship and traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to New Orleans, then San Antonio, TX and finally establishing a home in Benton Harbor. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps where he worked as a jet mechanic in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Once he returned home, Helm went to work at Whirlpool Corporation. He continued his education by graduating from Western Michigan University while working full time at Cook Nuclear Power Plant and would eventually earn a Master’s Degree in International Marketing from Thunderbird University in Phoenix, AZ. He eventually left the state and moved to Houston, TX gaining employment at Fluor Daniels. This job had him constantly traveling around the world, utilizing his International Marketing degree. Helm opted to come to Michigan to take care of his mother for 9 years before she passed. Helm enjoyed traveling to Mexico on fishing trips with his brothers and friends. He also liked to shop around at any local garage sales he happened to pass by. He loved to read and had quite a collection of books.

Helm is survived by his brother, Erich (Marion) Stachowske of Adrian, MI; nieces & nephews, Jeff, Michael, Rachel, and Matthew; step-niece & step-nephew, Vickie & James; many great-nieces & nephews; and sister-in-law, Susan Stachowske. He is also survived by his Aunt Elsie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reinhard & Olga; and brother, Bruno Stachowske.

Posted On: Friday, July 16, 2021 3:25 PM