Russell Dean Hellmer

Russell “Russ” Dean Hellmer, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on July 27th, 2023, at the age of 61.

Russ was born on March 26th, 1962, in Wichita, Kansas. He was the second son of Leonard “Lee” A. Hellmer and Doris N. (Barrett) Hellmer.

Russ was raised primarily in Wichita, Kansas, and then Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Hoover High School. Russ was a talented tenor saxophone player, and was awarded multiple music scholarships to two different universities – Northeast Missouri State and University of Northern Iowa. He chose to attend UNI for college.

Russ married Lisa Gossett on May 16th, 1987, with whom he had two children, David and Shelby. Russ and Lisa purchased Lisa’s parents’ printing business, Creative Printers, Inc., in 1995 and ran it together for five years.

Other highlights of Russ’ career include being a successful salesman for World of Wheels Inc., then Check-All Valve Manufacturing Company. In 2015, Russ started at Pro Diesel as general manager. While still working at Pro Diesel, Russ also became general manager at McCann’s Tap/McCann Corp. Later, Russ moved on to Joel’s Auto Repair as general manager.

Russ married Jennifer Bratton on September 12th, 2009, and together they called Polk City, Iowa home.

Russ loved camping, and anything with wheels and tires. He knew no stranger, was always the life of the party, and cherished the relationships he made with so many.

Russ was preceded in death by his father, Lee Hellmer; his step-father, Bob Coady; and his grandparents, Frank and Agnes Hellmer and Claude and Victoria Barrett.

Russ is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his children, David (Katherine) Hellmer and Shelby (Cole) Rathbun; the mother of his children, Lisa Gossett; his brother, Jeff (Abra) Hellmer; his mother, Doris Coady; his step-siblings, Pam (Dan) Earp and Jerry Coady; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Visitation will be from 5-8pm on Friday, August 4th, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens – 121 NW 60th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313. The funeral service is scheduled for 10am on Saturday, August 5th, at the same location. A luncheon is to follow at VFW Post 9662 – 1309 NE 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313.

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