Hans Johann Hellwig

Hans Johann Michael Hellwig, 78, of Elkton died Saturday, July 15, 2017 at home.

Hans was born September 13, 1938 in Germany to the late Hans and Hilde (Kiock) Hellwig. Hans immigrated to Detroit with his mother and step-father Reinhold Kretschmer, along with his two half brothers Jorg and Burkhard. He told everyone he came over on the “banana boat” speaking no English. He worked as a dishwasher at Greenfield Restaurant, eventually becoming soup chef. He was drafted into the US Army in 1961, and upon the recommendation of his chef at the restaurant, he successfully requested to be an army cook. Upon discharge he began a 33 year career working as a pipe fitter for GM, the last 3 years with American Axle, before retiring in 1996. Hans moved to Elkton in 1998.

He became active in the Elkton community, as part of the Chamber of Commerce, Lions and Historical Society, where he enjoyed explaining to people about the blacksmith shop. He enjoyed time spent outdoors and with his cat Blackie.

He married the love of his life Peggy Diebel on May 24, 1980 at the Elkton United Methodist Church. He is also survived by his children Donna Alford (Fiancé Alberto) of Utica and Heidi Hellwig of New Baltimore; grandchildren David Vairs, Justin, Randy Jr. and Ryan Alford and Ashley (Dennis) Goette; brother Jorg Kretschmer; brothers and sisters-in-laws Karen (Pat) Smithers, Ronald “Jake” (Cheri) Diebel, Donald Diebel, and Aubrey Sequin; nieces and nephews Burk Jr (Sherri) Kretschmer and children; god-daughter Kayle Kretschmer, Pam (Gary) Sweeney, Dale (Angel) Smithers, Kelly (Gary) Zurek, Tracy (Mike) Clark, Jeff Diebel, Jason (Jenny) Diebel, Jennifer (Jason) Nicol, Shelly Sequin, Tim (Brook) Sequin, Jeremy (Linda) Diebel, Justin (Karyn) Diebel and Todd Diebel, Kimberly (Mark) Gates and son; also special niece Melinda Sweeney; and he loved all of his great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-laws Clayton and Fern Diebel, brothers-in-law Gary Diebel and Robert Sequin; sister-in-law Nancy Diebel, brother Burkhard Kretschmer, and nephew Troy Diebel.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Thursday, July 20th at the Elkton United Methodist Church Dede Russell officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Riverside Cemetery.

Visitation will be 2-8 Wednesday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton.  Memorials may be made to the Elkton Lions or Elkton Historical Society.