Helmut Gerhard Michael

Helmut G. Michael, age 82, passed away Monday, July 25, 2022, with his loving family by his side.

The son of Paul and Else Michael, Helmut was born on May 23, 1940, in Germany. At a young age his loving parents instilled in Helmut the importance of hard work that served him well throughout his life. After completing his secondary education, Helmut pursued his lifelong love affair with cars by becoming a certified auto mechanic.

In 1964, he was drafted into the German Army where he served as a mechanic in the motor pool. After completing his service, Helmut was certified as an automotive Master Technician. He worked at the Dusseldorf International Airport where he rose to the position of general foreman of the maintenance division.

In 1969, Helmut went to Saudi Arabia where he became supervisor of the Saudi Arabian airports’ vehicles division. A short time later, Helmut fulfilled his lifelong dream of coming to America when he obtained his Visa and arrived in Gary, Indiana on Christmas Day on 1969. He immediately began working at Lake Volkswagen in Gary.

Helmut then moved to Chicago where he worked for various foreign car dealers. It was here that Helmut met the love of his life, Rolande. Together they would travel life’s journey for the next 52 years. 1977 was a banner year for Helmut; first, his precious daughter Nicole was born; second, Helmut with Vito Jurasic, opened Helmut & Vito’s foreign car repair shop in Downers Grove. Today, 14 years after his retirement, the business still proudly displays Helmut’s name. 

In 2008, after many years of working hard to provide his wife and daughter with a comfortable life in Lisle, Illinois, Helmut retired and focused on tinkering around the house and playing with his 3 grandchildren who adored him.  In 2019, Helmut and Rolande moved to Greenfields in Geneva where he lived until his passing.
He is survived by his devoted wife Rolande (Foch); daughter Nicole (Dan) Hanlon of Geneva; grandchildren Aidan, Patrick, and Ellie Hanlon; siblings Christa McMananan of California and Werner (Waltraud) of Germany; and many other dear relatives and friends.

Visitation for Helmut will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022, from 9:00 am until his funeral service at 11:00 am at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva with Chaplain John Reimers officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60601 or www.alz.org  would be appreciated.

For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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