Harry Fred Helmke II

1945 ~
 2022

OBITUARY

Celebrating the full and exemplary life of Harry Fred Helmke II.

Harry was born in Brownsville, Texas on December 4, 1945 to Harry and Florence Helmke and passed away in Kingwood, Texas on March 17, 2022.  Harry was a devout Christian and a member of the Kingwood Church of Christ for over forty years.  Harry, a proud Veteran, honorably served in the U.S. Navy for five years and completed a tour in Vietnam as a 2nd Class Petty Officer.

In addition, Harry graduated from Texas A&I College (now Texas A&M) in Kingsville, Texas.  While maintaining a 4.0 GPA, he graduated with bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology and a minor in German.  Harry’s professional career included being a Policeman in Bishop, Texas, a Deputy Sheriff with the Kleberg County Sheriff Department, and Border Patrol Agent in Eagle Pass, Texas.  He spent the majority of his career as a Special Agent with the U.S. Immigration (ICE) Department.  He was an accomplished marksman and enjoyed many pastimes including dominoes, cards, and music.

Harry was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Janie Lee Helmke whom he proudly married on September 16, 1969 in Brownsville, Texas.

Those left behind to cherish memory are his eldest daughter Heather Brown and husband Tony Brown.  His daughter Julie Helmke.  His son Harry Fred Helmke III and wife Monica Helmke.  PawPaw will be missed by his grandchildren  Emmalee Berry, Gavin Brown, Alivia Brown, Korrigan Celestine, Maci Helmke and Rosalee Helmke. In addition, left to cherish his memory are his sisters Elizabeth Vanderford and Helen Helmke as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A special thank you to Bob and Carol Baker whom went above and beyond to assist him and for that we will be forever grateful.

PawPaw you will be truly missed.  

Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday March 26, 2022.  Buena Vista Cemetery: 125 McDavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521.

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10 Responses

  1. I have a lot of great memories working with Harry at INS and know he will be missed. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. God Bless you all.

  2. Harry and I worked together for many years and into retirement he sent me daily prayers which we read. Prayers to the family!

  3. Helen, Lisa and family. My sincere condolences on the passing of Harry. What a beautiful life Harry was blessed with – so much love from family.
    Prayers for comfort and peace,
    Mary Kay James

  4. Harry was a dedicated worker and friend to all. He will be missed by all of his friends and coworkers.

  5. I had the opportunity to work with Harry at INS in Houston for many years. I hadn’t had the chance to keep in contact with him after retirement but I would occasionally receive an email from him. They were always interesting. Harry will be missed and I want to express my condolences to the family.

  6. I worked with Harry for many years in Houston. He was always on top of everything he did. I talked with Harry about a month ago and he sounded great so it was a shock when I heard he passed. He will be greatly missed and I will remember the great times we had. RIP

  7. Emy and I and our ’42 domino group have lost a truly close friend. Harry was like a brother to all of us. He had a wonderful way of bringing out the best in people and was one of the founding eight players in our six-year ’42 domino group. We played every Friday night until Covid, in our home and it soon expanded to two tables. Harry always sat in the same seat and would host the 8-12 players when we travelled, as he never wanted to miss a Friday night’s 42 game. And now he is again with his beloved Janie. Our condolences to his children Heather, Julie and Harry, Jr. and to Gene Graham and his 94 year old sister Evelyn Peoples in Whitefish, MT for their lifelong friend.

  8. Harry was a good man , a patriot and a faithful law enforcement officer.
    We met in Anti Smuggling training at INS. Our correspondence recommenced years later in retirement on a myriad of issues.
    He is now at a higher level.

  9. Harry Fred will be missed by so many people. He fiercely loved his family and made the world a safer place for all of us. Harry lived his life with honor and integrity and was the best brother a girl could have. Rest In Peace, Harry. I love you. Lisa

  10. My Father in law and my friend. You are truly missed! I love you forever. Until we meet again!

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