John Walter Hellhake

1955-2016

Mr. John Walter Hellhake, age 61, of Battletown, Ky., formerly of Eminence, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, at his residence.

John was retired from Waterford, Michigan Parks and Recreation; was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Teresa Council #2282; was an honorary member of the Battletown Fire Department; and was a tireless volunteer for St. John the Apostle and St. Mary of Magdalen Parishes as well as Eminence Schools in Eminence, Ky.

John loved cowboys, John Wayne, John Deere and his many trains. Although John was mentally challenged, he never let that keep him from living and loving life. He never met a stranger and brought such joy to everyone that was fortunate enough to cross his path.

John is survived by his parents, John and Elizabeth Hellhake, Danville, Ky.; his siblings, Cheryl Ann (Mike) Harley, Battletown, Ky., Richard Michael (Karol) Hellhake, Bradenton, Fla., Laurel Elizabeth Hellhake, Waterford, Mich., Susan Irene Hellhake-Edson, Milford, Mich.; two special nephews, Jett and Jagger Edson, Milford, Mich.; Mike’s parents, with whom he was very close, Martin and Margaret Harley; several other nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 3 p.m. Saturday at St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi Catholic Church, with Rev. George Illikkal and Deacon Greg Beavin officiating. Visitation was at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of Mass on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the WHAS Crusade for Children. Online condolences may be left at www.hagerfuneralhome.com.