Gary Allen Helmbrecht

Gary Allen Helmbrecht passed away peacefully from natural causes surrounded by his immediate family members at Reo Vista Healthcare Center. He was born on August 3rd, 1937, in Henning, MN to Asa (Acie) Charles Helmbrecht and Selma Ovidia Braaten Helmbrecht. He was the eleventh of 14 children and was raised on the family farm.

Gary was named as President of his class, Homecoming King his senior year and was a multi-sport athlete at Henning High School. He was captain of the high school basketball team.

After graduating from high school, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served a tour of duty in the Vietnam War in 1965-66, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, plus Vietnam Service Medal and various other medals. He spent the next 29 years faithfully serving his country, exploring the world with duty stations in Florida, California (Southern and Northern), Japan, Hawaii, and Tennessee, before returning to San Diego to retire as E-9- Master Chief, in Aviation Personnel Management. It was while on his initial assignment in San Diego where he met a fellow shipmate’s sister who had relocated from Michigan. Impressed by his intelligence and good looks, Joyce Ann Marquis was wooed by Gary and the couple married at St. Charles Catholic Church on February 16th, 1963.

Gary is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce Helmbrecht, two children - Steven (Kay) Helmbrecht and Susan (Daniel) Weaver, three grandchildren - Sarah (Jared) Haxton, Michael and Allison Helmbrecht, and four precious great grandchildren - Qwynn and Azaelea Weaver and Zoey and Alexander Haxton. Gary also leaves behind a special grand puppy, Willie.

A grandson, David Allen Weaver, predeceased Gary in October 2020.

Gary was a lifetime member of Fleet Reserve Association Branch 289 and leaves many friends and shipmates who remember him as ‘Deadeye’. He and Joyce enjoyed many outings to the club where Gary was known as an extraordinary horse collar player and patio party participant, always there for military members and their families when help was needed.

Along with being recognized with a Triangle Ceremony at Fleet Reserve Association Branch 289 and reception hosted by the Fleet Reserve Association Unit 289 Ladies Auxiliary on March 24th, a Liturgy of the Word at Saint Charles Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m., Miramar Interment Ceremony with full Military Honors at 12:30 p.m. with Reception to follow at Fleet Reserve Association Branch 289 will be held on June 26th, 2023.

Trident Society located at 9242 Miramar Road, Suite 37, San Diego, CA is handling funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 289, 659 Silver Strand Blvd., Imperial Beach, CA 91932, or a charity of your choice.

"Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tridentsociety.com/location/sandiego-ca for the Gary Allen Helmbrecht family."