Alvin W. Helberg

Alvin Wilhelm Helbert, the son of John H. and Anna (Winkelman) was born on April 4, 1906, in Napoleon Township, Henry County, Ohio. He attended the Bales School house, which was a one-room school. Due to his father's illness, it was necessary for him to quit school in the ninth grade.

At the age of 24, he married Mildred Emma Schroeder, the daughter of Albert F. and Mathild E. (Arps) Schroeder. Mildred was born on June 7, 1908, in Ridgeville Township, Henry County, Ohio. Alvin and Mildred were married on April 20, 1930, at the home of Mildred's parents in Ridgeville Twp., by Pastor Lewis M. Zehner. They made their home with John H. Helberg till 1933. From 1933 to 1936 they rented a farm near Delta, Ohio. In 1936 they moved back to his father's farm. In addition to farming his father's 70 acre farm, Alvin purchased 40 acres of land in 1936, which was a portion of the John Oelfke farm.

The Helbergs had a typical farm of the early 1930's - consisting of chickens, sheep, pigs, and a small dairy herd.

Alvin and Mildred continued to live on the family farm. Their were three children: Malcolm Gene, born December 26, 1932, married Rosella (Gerken); Carol Ellen, born November 18, 1934, married Norman Gerken; and Dean Alvin, born June 11, 1944, married Barbara (Shartzer).

In the fall of 1966, Alvin suffered a stroke. Many of their friends and neighbors harvested some of Alvin's crops while their crops were left to be harvested later. This was deeply appreciated by the entire Helberg family. Alvin recovered to continue farming until 1970, when he retired.

Mildred was a marvelous cook and an excellent seamstress. She loved antiques, and took pride in refinishing old furniture and restoring it to its natural beauty. In 1974 she retired, after working 5 years as an aide at the Filling Home of Mercy in Napoleon, Ohio.

Mildred (Schroeder) Helberg departed this life on March 25, 1976, and was laid to rest in St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Alvin resides on the family farm, as of this writing on March 30, 1978.

Submitted by: Mrs. Dean (Barbara) Helberg