Wilbert Helmbrecht

Wilbert “Bert” Helmbrecht, age 89, of Milbank, died on Sunday, October 23, 2016, at Rita’s Home Care in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Milbank with Rev. Thom Bowsher and Rev. Dr. DeVern Schwenn officiating. Burial will follow in the Milbank City Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday for one hour prior to the time of service at the church.

Casket bearers will be Wilbert’s grandsons: Andrew Helmbrecht, Daniel Helmbrecht, David Helmbrecht, Joseph Helmbrecht, Aaron Sandberg, Brian Helmbrecht, and Jacob Helmbrecht. Honorary bearers include Wilbert’s granddaughters: Kristine Green, Amy Watson, Melissa Morton, Andrea DelReal, Teresa Kuipers, and Kerri Minder.

Wilbert Francis Helmbrecht was born on March 30, 1927, to Joseph Helmbrecht and Hattie Burger in Cold Springs, MN. He moved to Milbank, SD at the age of three.

Wilbert was united in marriage to the love of his life, Arlys I. Grabow, on April 10, 1948. To this union, they were blessed with five children.

Bert, as he was affectionately called, worked at the Dakota Granite Company from 1944 until retiring on April 1, 1989. He spent time in the United States Army during WWII, receiving the Victory Medal.

During his retirement years, Bert enjoyed many great trips, and was a great gardener. He enjoyed most, his tomatoes as he picked them. Bert and Arlys also enjoyed their lake home, watching the birds, and spoiling their dogs. Most of all was his love for his Savior. Bert read his Bible every day and shared that love with his children. He’d been a member of Central Methodist Church since 1948.

Wilbert is survived by his wife, Arlys Helmbrecht of Milbank; children: Gaylord (Loretta Andersen) of Sioux Falls, SD; Sandra (Gary Gann) of Nashville, TN; David (Karen Seefeldt) of Milbank; Gina (Cliff Marohl) of Aberdeen, SD. Also happy to have shared his life was his brother, Myron (Sharon) Helmbrecht of Fort Meyers, FL; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; three step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Agnes Grabow; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ronald; grandson, Matthew; brother-in-law, Lloyd Grabow, Jr.