Our beloved Martin Michael Helfrich passed away January 13, 2026, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, at the age of 77. Marty was a devoted husband, loving father and father-in-law, caring brother, adoring Papa, loyal friend, and proud Air Force Veteran. He was the anchor of our family, travelling the world with his beautiful bride Mary J and building a beautiful life together of over 53 years while raising their daughter Jennifer around the global with military assignments throughout the United States, Turkey, and Germany.

Born in San Fransico, California on April 22, 1948, to Cletus and Dorothy Helfrich, Marty was destined for adventure alongside his sister Shanea (Helfrich) Chadwick. His life was defined by his example of love, kindness, hard work and the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. His father, Chief Master Sergeant Cletus Helfrich, United States Air Force, had a long military career with over three decades of service taking, his wife Dorothy, son Marty and daughter, Shanea to military assignments in the United States, Guam, Italy and Germany. These experiences sparked a true wanderlust spirit to live in the moment, embracing new cultures, learning new languages, making new lasting friendships and capturing a lifetime of mental snapshots. Whether sending home postcards while traveling across Italy on a moped with friend Giuseppe, joining a rock n roll band, playing his guitars across Europe, to enlisting in the Air Force, it was about discovery, excitement, taking in life to the fullest.

Marty enlisted in the United States Air Force while his family was stationed at Bitburg Air Base, Germany and went on to serve with distinction retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force after 26 years, at the former Headquarters Twelfth Air Force, Air Combat Command, Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. His passion for service continued as he served as a federal civilian for an additional 20 years, retiring at Air Force Materiel Command, Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Marty enjoyed the camaraderie of his Air Force colleagues and was known as an “Air Force Spectrum Wizard”, serving in roles as a Radio Frequency Manager, Ground Radio Operator, Electronics Technician and Telecommunication Specialist all while completing rigorous military education courses and excelling in courses focused on management and leadership. The Air Force was in his blood, and he was honored to be a member of this branch of service. While in Vietnam, Taiwan, Turkey and Germany, he was responsible for critical spectrum frequency management operations supporting stateside, deployed Air Force bases, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) communications and training new frequency managers that would take on the future reigns. During a staff meeting, Marty’s boss opened with remarks about what he expects from each member of the team and how he wanted, “motivated people to accept big and small jobs with enthusiasm, to think out of the box, follow through, give 100% and not complain when the taskings get to tough.” Then the boss, points at Marty and says, “this is the guy who does all these things”. This is how Marty lived and he was a deeply respected leader, professional and mentor who carried the same dedication throughout his life.

Marty was a muscle car enthusiast and after returning from Vietnam, he surprised his parents by showing up to the front door in his new sports car not knowing in just a few months he would meet his bride, best friend, love of his life and forever girl, Mary J. Shortly after arriving at Perrin Air Force Base in Denton, Texas he met Mary J at a dance in the base gym. She was completing her bachelor’s degree in social work at Texas Women’s University and buses would go from the main college campus to the nearby base for special events. After their first dance and just 10 dates, an exciting courtship through love letters began and they married on August 5, 1972, in Laredo, Texas beginning their own adventure. Marty knew their beautiful daughter, Jennifer would one day complete their family and over the years penned special notes to her reflecting, “whatever the hour God has blessed you with, take it with a grateful hand nor postpone your joys from year to year, so that in whatever place you have been you may say that you have lived happily.” He took Mary J and Jennifer to all the places he loved while growing up as a kid in Europe and marveled at the opportunities to show them the famous Mona Lisa painting at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, swim together around the Castle by the Sea off the small island in Mersin, Turkey, and map out the next “autobahn picnic” and “volksmarch” with friends on road trips throughout the country side in their 2-door silver classic Camero and later the family’s first 4 door vehicle, the Audi 4000. He enjoyed cruising in his Cadillac with his girl, Mary J right next to him and singing along with Jennifer to their favorite tunes.

Marty also loved writing and greatly enjoyed collaborating with Jennifer on her academic pursuits and together they penned, “Cat in Happy Land” and a special poem, “The Lady” which won 1st place in the Poetry Category of The Young Texas Writers Award Program for the Year 1994.

Being a communications specialist, you could always count on Marty to answer his phone any time of day and lend a loving ear, offering caring counsel and share a witty way to look at any situation. He loved time with his family and friends and would say, “any day together is the holiday.” His grandson especially brought him so much joy and followed all his accomplishments, introducing him to guitars and watching videos of Austin ski down the hardest mountain runs both in Europe and Colorado alongside his son-in-law, Ryan. He was very proud of family and loved sharing how Jennifer followed in his footsteps to go on and have her own exciting career in the Air Force alongside his son-in law, Ryan, whom also retired after his Air Force career. Together Jennifer and Ryan with his grandson, Austin were back overseas creating their own family memories taking those same walks through the forests near the beautiful village of Weilerbach located in the Rhineland-Palatinate, touring their favorite castles in the Bavarian Alps, going down the famous slide at the Salt Mine in Berchtesgaden, traveling the same country side roads listening to Fleetwood Mac, all while enjoying pretzels and Italian gelato just as he did with his parents, sister and his own family.

Together, Marty, Mary J’s “Huggy Bear” as she affectionately called him, always made a home to come home too and we are especially thankful for the many Thanksgivings together preparing their special gravy while setting the table with their beautiful Munich Hofbrauhaus plates.

Marty lived without fear or inhibitions and was kind to others. He stayed positive, loved art and music, and the importance of family and faith. He always had the gift of taking in the moment with mental snapshots, to dream and set goals, to have a plan and back-up plan, to marry your best friend, to count your blessings, get to know those you work with and those living in your community sincerely, know when the plane or train departs, don’t sweat the small stuff, opportunity, ability and desire (you need all three) and while on stateside road trips remember to stop at Dairy Queen if you see one for an ice cream blizzard.

Marty was so happy to see the wanderlust spirit emerging within his grandson, Austin, as he created his own mental snapshots of the beautiful places, people, and world around him just as his Papa did each day.

Marty was so thankful for all the love and support from his family and friends, both near and far, his loving godparents Mr. Paul and Mrs. Caroline Adams, amazing neighbors, especially Mr. Fox and Mrs. Peaches, dedicated caregivers, exceptional medical teams and his dedicated wife, best friend, Mary J and their devoted daughter, his forever Daddy’s Girl, Jennifer who all gave him the support he needed to stay in the comfort of his home creating forever memories in the last years of his precious life.

We’ll miss Marty deeply and feel his presence as we reflect on his own words, “As you travel down your highways and autobahns, please remember to linger just long enough to take in all the beauty around you. I ask that you think of each new day and the distance behind and the horizon ahead as a wonderful gift.” Marty’s faith gave him strength, and we are comforted knowing he is at peace, and our hearts are forever connected. Marty’s loving spirit lives on in his family and friends.

We’ll miss Marty’s presence, his big hugs, blue eyes squinting like a western movie- star cowboy and calling him to get his mentorship, advice and sharing daily life events. We’ll miss his thoughtful conversations and hearing him say, everything is “Mighty Fine” while giving us a fist bump or sending a thumbs up emoji text. Marty had a beautiful reflective soul and one of his last notes found and written in his beautiful way was, “In a little while, this moment will be a long, long time ago.” Marty will forever live on in all of us who were blessed to know him and love him.

A cherished husband, Marty leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary J. Helfrich. Together, they nurtured a strong partnership filled with love and shared dreams. He is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Ryan) Coyne, who brought him immense joy and pride throughout his life. His legacy continues through his grandson, Austin M. Coyne. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Chadwick, Uncle Richard Helfrich, Aunt Rita Helfrich, nieces, nephews and cousins. Marty was preceded by his parents, Cletus and Dorothy (Moody) Helfrich; and sister, Shanea (Helfrich) Chadwick.

Throughout his journey, Marty cultivated relationships with extended family and friends, embracing each moment shared with warmth and kindness.

If you would like to honor Marty’s love of supporting Airmen, the family welcomes a memorial donation in his name to the Air Force Sergeant Association, to help enhance the quality of life for enlisted Airmen and their families. Please know your presence, messages, and care matter the most to his family.

https://members.hqafsa.org/Members_AFSA/Donate/Members_AFSA/Fundraising/DONATE_to_AFSA.aspx

Family and friends are lovingly invited to gather in prayer and remembrance as we celebrate the life of our beloved Marty. A Funeral Mass will be held on March 23, 2026, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Community, Prairies Chapel, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 6568 Chapel Lane, Dayton Ohio 45433, with a visitation beginning from 10:40 – 11:00 am. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. A reception will follow the Mass, and all are welcome to join in fellowship as we continue to share memories.

A miliary honors burial service will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St Louis, Missouri, 63125 on March 25, 2026 at 11:30 am where his parents are interned. A special lunch with family and friends will follow in St Louis, Missouri.