Dennis Hellebusch, 75, of Washington, MO passed away Thursday, November 04, 2021.
He is survived by his wife, Val Hellebusch (nee' Kraft); three sons: Derrick Hellebusch of Little Rock, AR, Chris Massmann of Washington, MO, and Jared Hellebusch and wife Emily of Ballwin, MO; one daughter, Carrie Moore and husband Ben of Wildwood, MO; 8 grandchildren: Dani Mook (Kyle), Kristin Hellebusch, Jayden Massmann, Aaron Moore, Ryan Moore, Jack Moore, Evie Hellebusch, and Adler Hellebusch; three sisters-in-law: Rose Ann Willenbrink and husband Fred of Washington, MO, Marlene Ruedlin and husband John of Owensville, MO, and Jane Breitenbach and husband Rick of Washington, MO; many other relatives and dear friends.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at St. Gertrude Catholic Church with Rev. Carl Scheble officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation for 75-year-old Dennis Hellebusch will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO. A rosary will be prayed at 3:30 PM at the funeral home.
Dennis Melvin Hellebusch
April 29, 1946 - November 4, 2021
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It is with great earthly sadness, and simultaneous heavenly celebration, that we announce the passing of Dennis Melvin Hellebusch of Washington, MO, at the age of 75. Dennis was the loving husband of Val Hellebusch (nee Kraft) for 39 years.
He was the cherished son of the late Oscar G & Merine M Hellebusch (nee Koch); much-loved son-in-law of the late Martin & Mary Ann Kraft (nee Marquart); devoted father of Derrick Ray Hellebusch, Jared Martin Hellebusch & Emily (nee Kast), Chris M. Massmann, Carrie Lynn Moore (Benjamin): loving grandfather of Kristin Lynn Hellebusch, Evie Valentine Hellebusch, Adler Jared Hellebusch, Jayden Massmann, Dani K Mook, Aaron J Moore, Ryan S Moore, and Jack M Moore; "adopted sister" Serena Witthaus, brother-in- law of Rose Ann & Fred Willenbrink, Marlene & Johnny Ruedlin, Jane & Richard Breitenbach. Dennis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Dennis was preceded by his parents, Oscar & Merine Hellebusch, parents-in-law Martin & Mary Ann Kraft, Brother-in-Law Dennis Kraft, Lester Witthaus, & Frank Rice.
Dennis was raised on the Koch Farm west of Treloar, MO. This is where he started his fondness for drag racing & restoring muscle cars at Schroeder's Garage. He built & drove more than 16 drag racing cars and owned over 100 other vehicles, mostly General Motors. His cars have been pictured & articles written in 8 major magazines. He received first place trophies at Spring Nationals, 2 Missouri State titles, 1 Illinois state title, and the Mid-America Gold cup. No matter what the motor was in his race cars, when asked, he always said it was a stock six-cylinder, two-barrel carburetor. He disliked individuals that would brag that their motors having over 1000 horsepower. His favored race car was "Do-In-Time", a 1966 Nova 2 door HT. His favorite muscle car was his 1966 Nova Convertible that was made from a 4-door sedan. It is believed that this was the only one made, because Chevy did not make a Nova Convertible in 1966. He still has his first car, a 1935 Chevy 2 door.
When someone would ask about his education, he would replay that he had an 8th grade education. In reality, his education consisted of graduating from Ranken Technical College and the Police Academy with degrees in Communication Electronics, Environmental Law & Auditing, and Management.
Employment:
INTOXIMETERS
· Responsible for the service, warranty, and help desks of alcohol breath testing evidential devices. Developed Training programs for engineers & forensic scientists and attorneys on the proper service & operation of alcohol breath testing equipment world-wide to service equipment & certified that they can train in police academy.
· Minor designs on equipment hardware
SURFACE SYSTEM INC.
· National Service Manager
· Senior Management team
· Responsible for the installation, warranty, repair and help desks for a North American computerized weather forecasting equipment manufacture.
May Company/ Venture Stores
· Management of 115 department stores in 10 states & three 600,000 sq. ft. warehouses in three states.
SIX FLAGS OVER MID-AMERICA
· Electronic and Sound Foreman
· Responsible for the maintenance of sound systems, ride computers, variable speed drives, sound recordings, set up and ran the sound for over 500 major entertainers.
Zenith Corp.
· Responsible for the training & service for Zenith dealerships for color TV.
Community Appliance Center
· Co-owner of a TV & appliance service business @ Pacific & Union, MO locations.
He retired in 2011, after spending 28 years in middle & upper management positions.
Professional Affiliations
• Member of East Central College Electronic Advisory Board
• Instructor Electronic Engineering, East Central College (evening)
• Member of a U. S. Congressional Board (state advisor)
• Deputy Sheriff, Franklin County
• Captain of the Washington Special Police
• Twice elected to the Washington City Council
• Member Association of Energy Engineers
• Associate Member of ASHRAE
• Certified Missouri Hunter Education Instructor
• Director Washington Area Ambiance District
• Odd Fellows 3rd Degree
• K of C 4th Degree Honor Guard
• Find-a-Grave; taken & posted over 49,000 pictures and over 51,000 names.
• Franklin County Cemetery Society
• Four Rivers Genealogy Society
• Washington Historical Society
• Warren County Historical Society
• Route 66 Car Club
• St. Louis Chevrolet Car Club
• National Chevrolet Car Club
• Board of Directors VCCA
He enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands.
He was invited & attended MO Governor Kit Bonds inauguration ball in Jefferson City, MO. As a member of the U. S. Congressional Board, he was invited to President Ronald Reagan's inauguration ball in Washington DC. & George H.W. Bush inauguration ball in Washington DC.
Dennis would do anything to help anyone. Family, friends, neighbors, car buddies, were all recipients of Dennis's kindness and good cheer. Most times he would help and ask them not to tell anyone, as to not take credit. He never knew a stranger. He was always early to any event, often the first one to arrive. His shoes were shined.
He was a quiet individual that did not say much, but if he did suggest a solution, he had thought it through & come up with a good, practical solution. He thought outside the box to correct tough problems that most others would not have considered. He would always say "It comes down to the basics" or "It's probably a grounding problem". He enjoyed working on electronic equipment, large sound systems, tuning muscle cars, & spending time with his children & grandchildren. In his retirement he found great satisfaction in honoring the deceased, spending countless hours restoring cemeteries and uploading information to Find-A-Grave, and maintaining the Family Tree.
Dennis was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on November 11th at St. Gertrude Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation for 75-year-old Dennis Hellebusch will be held Wednesday, November 10th 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO. A rosary will be held at 3:30 PM at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus honor guard will hold services @ 7:30 pm.
Memorial contributions can be made in Dennis's honor to the Washington Historical Society, Odd Fellows or to the charity of your choice.
The Hellebusch family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO.
Contributor: Joe Koch (47720231) • [email protected]
He is survived by his wife, Val Hellebusch (nee' Kraft); three sons: Derrick Hellebusch of Little Rock, AR, Chris Massmann of Washington, MO, and Jared Hellebusch and wife Emily of Ballwin, MO; one daughter, Carrie Moore and husband Ben of Wildwood, MO; 8 grandchildren: Dani Mook (Kyle), Kristin Hellebusch, Jayden Massmann, Aaron Moore, Ryan Moore, Jack Moore, Evie Hellebusch, and Adler Hellebusch; three sisters-in-law: Rose Ann Willenbrink and husband Fred of Washington, MO, Marlene Ruedlin and husband John of Owensville, MO, and Jane Breitenbach and husband Rick of Washington, MO; many other relatives and dear friends.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at St. Gertrude Catholic Church with Rev. Carl Scheble officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation for 75-year-old Dennis Hellebusch will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO. A rosary will be prayed at 3:30 PM at the funeral home.
Dennis Melvin Hellebusch
April 29, 1946 - November 4, 2021
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It is with great earthly sadness, and simultaneous heavenly celebration, that we announce the passing of Dennis Melvin Hellebusch of Washington, MO, at the age of 75. Dennis was the loving husband of Val Hellebusch (nee Kraft) for 39 years.
He was the cherished son of the late Oscar G & Merine M Hellebusch (nee Koch); much-loved son-in-law of the late Martin & Mary Ann Kraft (nee Marquart); devoted father of Derrick Ray Hellebusch, Jared Martin Hellebusch & Emily (nee Kast), Chris M. Massmann, Carrie Lynn Moore (Benjamin): loving grandfather of Kristin Lynn Hellebusch, Evie Valentine Hellebusch, Adler Jared Hellebusch, Jayden Massmann, Dani K Mook, Aaron J Moore, Ryan S Moore, and Jack M Moore; "adopted sister" Serena Witthaus, brother-in- law of Rose Ann & Fred Willenbrink, Marlene & Johnny Ruedlin, Jane & Richard Breitenbach. Dennis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Dennis was preceded by his parents, Oscar & Merine Hellebusch, parents-in-law Martin & Mary Ann Kraft, Brother-in-Law Dennis Kraft, Lester Witthaus, & Frank Rice.
Dennis was raised on the Koch Farm west of Treloar, MO. This is where he started his fondness for drag racing & restoring muscle cars at Schroeder's Garage. He built & drove more than 16 drag racing cars and owned over 100 other vehicles, mostly General Motors. His cars have been pictured & articles written in 8 major magazines. He received first place trophies at Spring Nationals, 2 Missouri State titles, 1 Illinois state title, and the Mid-America Gold cup. No matter what the motor was in his race cars, when asked, he always said it was a stock six-cylinder, two-barrel carburetor. He disliked individuals that would brag that their motors having over 1000 horsepower. His favored race car was "Do-In-Time", a 1966 Nova 2 door HT. His favorite muscle car was his 1966 Nova Convertible that was made from a 4-door sedan. It is believed that this was the only one made, because Chevy did not make a Nova Convertible in 1966. He still has his first car, a 1935 Chevy 2 door.
When someone would ask about his education, he would replay that he had an 8th grade education. In reality, his education consisted of graduating from Ranken Technical College and the Police Academy with degrees in Communication Electronics, Environmental Law & Auditing, and Management.
Employment:
INTOXIMETERS
· Responsible for the service, warranty, and help desks of alcohol breath testing evidential devices. Developed Training programs for engineers & forensic scientists and attorneys on the proper service & operation of alcohol breath testing equipment world-wide to service equipment & certified that they can train in police academy.
· Minor designs on equipment hardware
SURFACE SYSTEM INC.
· National Service Manager
· Senior Management team
· Responsible for the installation, warranty, repair and help desks for a North American computerized weather forecasting equipment manufacture.
May Company/ Venture Stores
· Management of 115 department stores in 10 states & three 600,000 sq. ft. warehouses in three states.
SIX FLAGS OVER MID-AMERICA
· Electronic and Sound Foreman
· Responsible for the maintenance of sound systems, ride computers, variable speed drives, sound recordings, set up and ran the sound for over 500 major entertainers.
Zenith Corp.
· Responsible for the training & service for Zenith dealerships for color TV.
Community Appliance Center
· Co-owner of a TV & appliance service business @ Pacific & Union, MO locations.
He retired in 2011, after spending 28 years in middle & upper management positions.
Professional Affiliations
• Member of East Central College Electronic Advisory Board
• Instructor Electronic Engineering, East Central College (evening)
• Member of a U. S. Congressional Board (state advisor)
• Deputy Sheriff, Franklin County
• Captain of the Washington Special Police
• Twice elected to the Washington City Council
• Member Association of Energy Engineers
• Associate Member of ASHRAE
• Certified Missouri Hunter Education Instructor
• Director Washington Area Ambiance District
• Odd Fellows 3rd Degree
• K of C 4th Degree Honor Guard
• Find-a-Grave; taken & posted over 49,000 pictures and over 51,000 names.
• Franklin County Cemetery Society
• Four Rivers Genealogy Society
• Washington Historical Society
• Warren County Historical Society
• Route 66 Car Club
• St. Louis Chevrolet Car Club
• National Chevrolet Car Club
• Board of Directors VCCA
He enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands.
He was invited & attended MO Governor Kit Bonds inauguration ball in Jefferson City, MO. As a member of the U. S. Congressional Board, he was invited to President Ronald Reagan's inauguration ball in Washington DC. & George H.W. Bush inauguration ball in Washington DC.
Dennis would do anything to help anyone. Family, friends, neighbors, car buddies, were all recipients of Dennis's kindness and good cheer. Most times he would help and ask them not to tell anyone, as to not take credit. He never knew a stranger. He was always early to any event, often the first one to arrive. His shoes were shined.
He was a quiet individual that did not say much, but if he did suggest a solution, he had thought it through & come up with a good, practical solution. He thought outside the box to correct tough problems that most others would not have considered. He would always say "It comes down to the basics" or "It's probably a grounding problem". He enjoyed working on electronic equipment, large sound systems, tuning muscle cars, & spending time with his children & grandchildren. In his retirement he found great satisfaction in honoring the deceased, spending countless hours restoring cemeteries and uploading information to Find-A-Grave, and maintaining the Family Tree.
Dennis was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on November 11th at St. Gertrude Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation for 75-year-old Dennis Hellebusch will be held Wednesday, November 10th 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO. A rosary will be held at 3:30 PM at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus honor guard will hold services @ 7:30 pm.
Memorial contributions can be made in Dennis's honor to the Washington Historical Society, Odd Fellows or to the charity of your choice.
The Hellebusch family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO.
Contributor: Joe Koch (47720231) • [email protected]
Dennis Hellebusch, 75, of Washington, MO passed away Thursday, November 04, 2021.
He is survived by his wife, Val Hellebusch (nee' Kraft); three sons: Derrick Hellebusch of Little Rock, AR, Chris Massmann of Washington, MO, and Jared Hellebusch and wife Emily of Ballwin, MO; one daughter, Carrie Moore and husband Ben of Wildwood, MO; 8 grandchildren: Dani Mook (Kyle), Kristin Hellebusch, Jayden Massmann, Aaron Moore, Ryan Moore, Jack Moore, Evie Hellebusch, and Adler Hellebusch; three sisters-in-law: Rose Ann Willenbrink and husband Fred of Washington, MO, Marlene Ruedlin and husband John of Owensville, MO, and Jane Breitenbach and husband Rick of Washington, MO; many other relatives and dear friends.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at St. Gertrude Catholic Church with Rev. Carl Scheble officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation for 75-year-old Dennis Hellebusch will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO. A rosary will be prayed at 3:30 PM at the funeral home.
Dennis Melvin Hellebusch
April 29, 1946 - November 4, 2021
Share Obituary:
Tribute Wall
Obituary & Events
Obituary
It is with great earthly sadness, and simultaneous heavenly celebration, that we announce the passing of Dennis Melvin Hellebusch of Washington, MO, at the age of 75. Dennis was the loving husband of Val Hellebusch (nee Kraft) for 39 years.
He was the cherished son of the late Oscar G & Merine M Hellebusch (nee Koch); much-loved son-in-law of the late Martin & Mary Ann Kraft (nee Marquart); devoted father of Derrick Ray Hellebusch, Jared Martin Hellebusch & Emily (nee Kast), Chris M. Massmann, Carrie Lynn Moore (Benjamin): loving grandfather of Kristin Lynn Hellebusch, Evie Valentine Hellebusch, Adler Jared Hellebusch, Jayden Massmann, Dani K Mook, Aaron J Moore, Ryan S Moore, and Jack M Moore; "adopted sister" Serena Witthaus, brother-in- law of Rose Ann & Fred Willenbrink, Marlene & Johnny Ruedlin, Jane & Richard Breitenbach. Dennis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Dennis was preceded by his parents, Oscar & Merine Hellebusch, parents-in-law Martin & Mary Ann Kraft, Brother-in-Law Dennis Kraft, Lester Witthaus, & Frank Rice.
Dennis was raised on the Koch Farm west of Treloar, MO. This is where he started his fondness for drag racing & restoring muscle cars at Schroeder's Garage. He built & drove more than 16 drag racing cars and owned over 100 other vehicles, mostly General Motors. His cars have been pictured & articles written in 8 major magazines. He received first place trophies at Spring Nationals, 2 Missouri State titles, 1 Illinois state title, and the Mid-America Gold cup. No matter what the motor was in his race cars, when asked, he always said it was a stock six-cylinder, two-barrel carburetor. He disliked individuals that would brag that their motors having over 1000 horsepower. His favored race car was "Do-In-Time", a 1966 Nova 2 door HT. His favorite muscle car was his 1966 Nova Convertible that was made from a 4-door sedan. It is believed that this was the only one made, because Chevy did not make a Nova Convertible in 1966. He still has his first car, a 1935 Chevy 2 door.
When someone would ask about his education, he would replay that he had an 8th grade education. In reality, his education consisted of graduating from Ranken Technical College and the Police Academy with degrees in Communication Electronics, Environmental Law & Auditing, and Management.
Employment:
INTOXIMETERS
· Responsible for the service, warranty, and help desks of alcohol breath testing evidential devices. Developed Training programs for engineers & forensic scientists and attorneys on the proper service & operation of alcohol breath testing equipment world-wide to service equipment & certified that they can train in police academy.
· Minor designs on equipment hardware
SURFACE SYSTEM INC.
· National Service Manager
· Senior Management team
· Responsible for the installation, warranty, repair and help desks for a North American computerized weather forecasting equipment manufacture.
May Company/ Venture Stores
· Management of 115 department stores in 10 states & three 600,000 sq. ft. warehouses in three states.
SIX FLAGS OVER MID-AMERICA
· Electronic and Sound Foreman
· Responsible for the maintenance of sound systems, ride computers, variable speed drives, sound recordings, set up and ran the sound for over 500 major entertainers.
Zenith Corp.
· Responsible for the training & service for Zenith dealerships for color TV.
Community Appliance Center
· Co-owner of a TV & appliance service business @ Pacific & Union, MO locations.
He retired in 2011, after spending 28 years in middle & upper management positions.
Professional Affiliations
• Member of East Central College Electronic Advisory Board
• Instructor Electronic Engineering, East Central College (evening)
• Member of a U. S. Congressional Board (state advisor)
• Deputy Sheriff, Franklin County
• Captain of the Washington Special Police
• Twice elected to the Washington City Council
• Member Association of Energy Engineers
• Associate Member of ASHRAE
• Certified Missouri Hunter Education Instructor
• Director Washington Area Ambiance District
• Odd Fellows 3rd Degree
• K of C 4th Degree Honor Guard
• Find-a-Grave; taken & posted over 49,000 pictures and over 51,000 names.
• Franklin County Cemetery Society
• Four Rivers Genealogy Society
• Washington Historical Society
• Warren County Historical Society
• Route 66 Car Club
• St. Louis Chevrolet Car Club
• National Chevrolet Car Club
• Board of Directors VCCA
He enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands.
He was invited & attended MO Governor Kit Bonds inauguration ball in Jefferson City, MO. As a member of the U. S. Congressional Board, he was invited to President Ronald Reagan's inauguration ball in Washington DC. & George H.W. Bush inauguration ball in Washington DC.
Dennis would do anything to help anyone. Family, friends, neighbors, car buddies, were all recipients of Dennis's kindness and good cheer. Most times he would help and ask them not to tell anyone, as to not take credit. He never knew a stranger. He was always early to any event, often the first one to arrive. His shoes were shined.
He was a quiet individual that did not say much, but if he did suggest a solution, he had thought it through & come up with a good, practical solution. He thought outside the box to correct tough problems that most others would not have considered. He would always say "It comes down to the basics" or "It's probably a grounding problem". He enjoyed working on electronic equipment, large sound systems, tuning muscle cars, & spending time with his children & grandchildren. In his retirement he found great satisfaction in honoring the deceased, spending countless hours restoring cemeteries and uploading information to Find-A-Grave, and maintaining the Family Tree.
Dennis was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on November 11th at St. Gertrude Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation for 75-year-old Dennis Hellebusch will be held Wednesday, November 10th 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO. A rosary will be held at 3:30 PM at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus honor guard will hold services @ 7:30 pm.
Memorial contributions can be made in Dennis's honor to the Washington Historical Society, Odd Fellows or to the charity of your choice.
The Hellebusch family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO.
Contributor: Joe Koch (47720231) • [email protected]
He is survived by his wife, Val Hellebusch (nee' Kraft); three sons: Derrick Hellebusch of Little Rock, AR, Chris Massmann of Washington, MO, and Jared Hellebusch and wife Emily of Ballwin, MO; one daughter, Carrie Moore and husband Ben of Wildwood, MO; 8 grandchildren: Dani Mook (Kyle), Kristin Hellebusch, Jayden Massmann, Aaron Moore, Ryan Moore, Jack Moore, Evie Hellebusch, and Adler Hellebusch; three sisters-in-law: Rose Ann Willenbrink and husband Fred of Washington, MO, Marlene Ruedlin and husband John of Owensville, MO, and Jane Breitenbach and husband Rick of Washington, MO; many other relatives and dear friends.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at St. Gertrude Catholic Church with Rev. Carl Scheble officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation for 75-year-old Dennis Hellebusch will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO. A rosary will be prayed at 3:30 PM at the funeral home.
Dennis Melvin Hellebusch
April 29, 1946 - November 4, 2021
Share Obituary:
Tribute Wall
Obituary & Events
Obituary
It is with great earthly sadness, and simultaneous heavenly celebration, that we announce the passing of Dennis Melvin Hellebusch of Washington, MO, at the age of 75. Dennis was the loving husband of Val Hellebusch (nee Kraft) for 39 years.
He was the cherished son of the late Oscar G & Merine M Hellebusch (nee Koch); much-loved son-in-law of the late Martin & Mary Ann Kraft (nee Marquart); devoted father of Derrick Ray Hellebusch, Jared Martin Hellebusch & Emily (nee Kast), Chris M. Massmann, Carrie Lynn Moore (Benjamin): loving grandfather of Kristin Lynn Hellebusch, Evie Valentine Hellebusch, Adler Jared Hellebusch, Jayden Massmann, Dani K Mook, Aaron J Moore, Ryan S Moore, and Jack M Moore; "adopted sister" Serena Witthaus, brother-in- law of Rose Ann & Fred Willenbrink, Marlene & Johnny Ruedlin, Jane & Richard Breitenbach. Dennis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Dennis was preceded by his parents, Oscar & Merine Hellebusch, parents-in-law Martin & Mary Ann Kraft, Brother-in-Law Dennis Kraft, Lester Witthaus, & Frank Rice.
Dennis was raised on the Koch Farm west of Treloar, MO. This is where he started his fondness for drag racing & restoring muscle cars at Schroeder's Garage. He built & drove more than 16 drag racing cars and owned over 100 other vehicles, mostly General Motors. His cars have been pictured & articles written in 8 major magazines. He received first place trophies at Spring Nationals, 2 Missouri State titles, 1 Illinois state title, and the Mid-America Gold cup. No matter what the motor was in his race cars, when asked, he always said it was a stock six-cylinder, two-barrel carburetor. He disliked individuals that would brag that their motors having over 1000 horsepower. His favored race car was "Do-In-Time", a 1966 Nova 2 door HT. His favorite muscle car was his 1966 Nova Convertible that was made from a 4-door sedan. It is believed that this was the only one made, because Chevy did not make a Nova Convertible in 1966. He still has his first car, a 1935 Chevy 2 door.
When someone would ask about his education, he would replay that he had an 8th grade education. In reality, his education consisted of graduating from Ranken Technical College and the Police Academy with degrees in Communication Electronics, Environmental Law & Auditing, and Management.
Employment:
INTOXIMETERS
· Responsible for the service, warranty, and help desks of alcohol breath testing evidential devices. Developed Training programs for engineers & forensic scientists and attorneys on the proper service & operation of alcohol breath testing equipment world-wide to service equipment & certified that they can train in police academy.
· Minor designs on equipment hardware
SURFACE SYSTEM INC.
· National Service Manager
· Senior Management team
· Responsible for the installation, warranty, repair and help desks for a North American computerized weather forecasting equipment manufacture.
May Company/ Venture Stores
· Management of 115 department stores in 10 states & three 600,000 sq. ft. warehouses in three states.
SIX FLAGS OVER MID-AMERICA
· Electronic and Sound Foreman
· Responsible for the maintenance of sound systems, ride computers, variable speed drives, sound recordings, set up and ran the sound for over 500 major entertainers.
Zenith Corp.
· Responsible for the training & service for Zenith dealerships for color TV.
Community Appliance Center
· Co-owner of a TV & appliance service business @ Pacific & Union, MO locations.
He retired in 2011, after spending 28 years in middle & upper management positions.
Professional Affiliations
• Member of East Central College Electronic Advisory Board
• Instructor Electronic Engineering, East Central College (evening)
• Member of a U. S. Congressional Board (state advisor)
• Deputy Sheriff, Franklin County
• Captain of the Washington Special Police
• Twice elected to the Washington City Council
• Member Association of Energy Engineers
• Associate Member of ASHRAE
• Certified Missouri Hunter Education Instructor
• Director Washington Area Ambiance District
• Odd Fellows 3rd Degree
• K of C 4th Degree Honor Guard
• Find-a-Grave; taken & posted over 49,000 pictures and over 51,000 names.
• Franklin County Cemetery Society
• Four Rivers Genealogy Society
• Washington Historical Society
• Warren County Historical Society
• Route 66 Car Club
• St. Louis Chevrolet Car Club
• National Chevrolet Car Club
• Board of Directors VCCA
He enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands.
He was invited & attended MO Governor Kit Bonds inauguration ball in Jefferson City, MO. As a member of the U. S. Congressional Board, he was invited to President Ronald Reagan's inauguration ball in Washington DC. & George H.W. Bush inauguration ball in Washington DC.
Dennis would do anything to help anyone. Family, friends, neighbors, car buddies, were all recipients of Dennis's kindness and good cheer. Most times he would help and ask them not to tell anyone, as to not take credit. He never knew a stranger. He was always early to any event, often the first one to arrive. His shoes were shined.
He was a quiet individual that did not say much, but if he did suggest a solution, he had thought it through & come up with a good, practical solution. He thought outside the box to correct tough problems that most others would not have considered. He would always say "It comes down to the basics" or "It's probably a grounding problem". He enjoyed working on electronic equipment, large sound systems, tuning muscle cars, & spending time with his children & grandchildren. In his retirement he found great satisfaction in honoring the deceased, spending countless hours restoring cemeteries and uploading information to Find-A-Grave, and maintaining the Family Tree.
Dennis was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on November 11th at St. Gertrude Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation for 75-year-old Dennis Hellebusch will be held Wednesday, November 10th 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO. A rosary will be held at 3:30 PM at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus honor guard will hold services @ 7:30 pm.
Memorial contributions can be made in Dennis's honor to the Washington Historical Society, Odd Fellows or to the charity of your choice.
The Hellebusch family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO.
Contributor: Joe Koch (47720231) • [email protected]
