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February 23, 2021Helmut Josef Seifert
Mar. 2, 1955 – Feb. 12, 2021
Helmut Seifert set out to make a difference. He was a man whose experience and intellect propelled a life, a voice and a meaningful perspective on what it meant to be a father, husband, son, mentor and friend. Amid the trying lessons and complexities of the universe, he found simplicity in knowing that the power of love can truly change the world.
Helmut was born on March 2, 1955, in Aurora, Ill. Here, he’d start building a fulfilling life for himself in the heart of the Midwest falling in love with heartbreak and triumphs of Chicago sports, growing in his musical talents as a guitarist, and fostering lifelong friendships.
Most notably, he would meet the love of his life, Sandy, who he married on Oct. 6, 1984. Together, they’d spend 30 years in the Aurora area raising their three daughters, Melissa, Heidi and Anna and their many beloved dogs. Despite his tough German upbringing, Helmut adored being a “girl-dad.” His strong demeanor coupled with his emotional intelligence brought astounding laughter, compelling debates and powerful spirituality into their home.
Helmut found his career calling in the mortgage business helping countless families find their forever homes, no matter what their financial situations were. He knew that homes were a vital piece of the family puzzle a safe haven where children could thrive and grow, and couples could build a profound life together.
As a longtime parishioner of Annunciation Church, Helmut’s faith guided him to serve his community in several ways, specifically in the health care, education and homeownership sectors. Marrying his mortgage career with his passion for helping others, one of the most meaningful roles he held was as president of the Joseph Corporation board in Aurora. The work of this nonprofit team helped countless low-income families buy their first house.
Without a doubt, Helmut was a natural-born mentor and coach. He would spend nearly three decades coaching basketball at Marmion Academy, Naperville North, Aurora Christian and other local schools. Though, he was not just teaching the great sport of basketball, but even greater life lessons to the young men of Illinois. He treated and adored his players like they were his own sons, many who turned to Helmut for guidance and friendship, well after graduation.
A retrospective on the life of Helmut cannot be shared in a simple three-act storyline. Yes, he was a man of great faith in the Church, in the Cubs, and of course, in the Beatles. His interests were many, as a forever-student of life, and this diversity was reflected in wisdom which enlightened countless friends, musicians, writers, athletes, colleagues and students. His thoughtful and often humorous mix of philosophies, Christian values and Kerouac-inspired adventure sparked hours of debate with Helmut and dear friends who sought counsel.
After retiring to Arizona in 2014, Helmut completed a lifelong goal by authoring his first novel, Nobody’s Coming. While his novel is largely rooted in a semi-autobiographical love story, it motivates humankind to rescue their planet, and one another in the process. And although this book may have served as a final chapter in the life of Helmut Seifert, it is this message of hope that love can bring us together and save us that is the greatest legacy he leaves behind.
Helmut was an active member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Oro Valley, AZ since August 2014.
Helmut was preceded in death by his father, Adam Seifert. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sandy, his mother, Gisela, his three daughters, Melissa (Kyle), Heidi (Mike) and Anna, and his sister Elizabeth Searles (Nelson) and his cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Adam, Noah and Lola.
“If I have moved you in even the smallest way to look at our world with hope, then I will have done my job.”
HJ Seifert
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name and honor at savethechildren.org.
