Richard “Joe” Helfrich, age 82, of Sidney, NE passed away Monday October 7, 2024.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father C.P. Varghese officiating. A Rosary Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. prior to the mass. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney, NE.

       Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel to leave condolences for the family.  You may view Joe’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.  Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Joe’s care and funeral arrangements.           

            Richard Joseph Helfrich, known to most as Joe, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and faith. Born on June 22, 1942, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, he was adopted by Charles and Mabel Helfrich. Joe grew up on a small farm south of Sunol, Nebraska, with his three sisters, learning and thriving in the love of his parents and family members.

            Joe graduated from St. Patrick's Academy in Sidney, Nebraska, where he developed a strong work ethic and religious beliefs that guided him throughout his life. He began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad as a brakeman, traveling between Sidney and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Joe proudly served in the Army National Guard and later joined the Colorado Air National Guard, where he worked at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, assembling munitions and landmines.

            In Sunol, he met Linda Gade, the neighbor's daughter, and they were married in 1967. In 1968, they moved to Denver, Colorado, and welcomed their son, Jeff. Joe dedicated 40 years to federal government service, notably at Buckley Air National Guard Base. A man of many talents, he earned the affectionate nickname "Mr. Fix-It" and cherished time spent with Linda and Jeff, especially going fishing.

            Joe was very proud of Jeff and his many accomplishments—from his military service to his role as a police officer in Portland, Oregon, and ultimately as a State Representative.

            Joe is survived by his son, Jeff (wife Shawna) and their two children, Mazzy and Conrad. He is also survived by his sister, Mary (husband Bill) Hughes, sister-in-law Marcy (husband Mark) Jones; brother-in-law Greg Gade; and mother-in-law Velma Gade and many nieces and nephews.

            Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents Charles and Mabel Helfrich; his sisters, Ann Schaaf and Rita Wilson; father-in-law Clinton Gade; and sisters-in-law Denise Gade and Peggy Gade.

Joe will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, love of family and friends, and unwavering spirit. His legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.