Donald F. Hellmann

Donald F. Hellmann, 76, of Washington, passed away on March 5, 2026. Donald, son of the late Victor Hellmann and Melba nee Stratman, was born on June 12, 1949, in Creve Coeur, MO. He received his education from Washington High School. On October 14, 1972, he was united in marriage to Barb Struckhoff at the St. Francis Borgia Church.

Don was employed at Ford Motor Company in Hazelwood and retired after a 30 year career. He was an honorary member of the Washington Boat Club, and a prior member of the Elks and Hummingbird Club in Washington.

A devoted family man that liked long adventures. He lived his life by love, laughter and time spent on the water. An avid boater that felt most at home with sun on his face and the open water ahead. He found joy in cruising the lake, casting a fishing line or simply enjoying days by the water. Those moments brought him his greatest joy. His boating and fishing wasn't just a hobby, it was a way he connected with the people he loved the most. Above all else he was deeply devoted to his family. He took immense pride in being a father and especially being a grandfather. His grandkids brought him endless happiness and he spent every moment teaching them to fish, taking them tubing, telling stories and sharing adventures that will live on in their memories. He will be remembered by his adventurous spirit, his steady presence and the baritone voice everyone knew so well at every gathering. His legacy lives on through the love he gave so freely and the countless memories made with family and friends. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort knowing that his spirit lives on in every ripple of the water, every line casted and every story shared about the adventures he loved so much.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Keith Hellmann, Carl Hellmann, Vickie Hellmann, and Dale Hellmann.

Among his survivors are his wife, Barb Hellmann of Washington; three children, Tamie Crecelius and husband Jeffrey of Pacific, Misty Wilson and husband Eric of Washington, and Travis Hellmann and wife Elizabeth of Washington; two brothers, Charles Hellmann and wife Laurie of Washington and Kevin Hellmann and wife Annette of Washington; four grandchildren, Dominic Crecelius, Macy Crecelius, Brody Wilson, and Ashton Wilson; sisters and brother-in-law, Dianne Hellmann of Washington, Shari Klekamp of Washington, and Melinda Gresham and husband David of Wildwood; other relatives and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Memorial Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the St. Gertrude’s Church in Krakow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wishing on a Ride, make checks payable to Make A Wish Foundation.

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