Helmut Josef Haupt passed peacefully in his family home in Kohler, Wisconsin on Tuesday May
14, 2019.
Helmut was born on June 1, 1932 in Zwittau, Sudetenland to Erich Haupt and Emma Hettler
Haupt. Helmut lived a full life. He and his family were caught in the maelstrom that was the
end of the Second World War and endured many hardships including, but not limited to, being
interned in Soviet labor camps and forcibly evicted from his native land only to be joyfully
reunited with his family in West Germany unlike so many other German refugees of that time.
These experiences made him the most grateful and loveable gentleman to those around him
who cherished his presence.
Helmut immigrated to the United States in 1952 and joined the Army where his skill in skiing
did not go unnoticed and he was assigned to the Alaskan division where he won numerous
competitions for long jump. After serving four years in the Army he settled in Racine, Wisconsin
which was a manufacturing hub at that time. He earned his engineering degree from the
Milwaukee School of Engineering and worked with some of the leading automotive firms of the
day. He married Denise Wilkins in 1968 and had a life-long partnership in Racine, Wisconsin.
Together they found opportunities for fun and friendship throughout the world, eventually
settling in Kohler.
He was a loving father and grandfather, survived by his two children Katie Mae Pitcel of Cape
Coral, Florida and Jeremy Reynold Haupt of Boston, Massachusetts, along with his two
grandchildren Alexander Josef Pitcel of Sanibel, Florida and Emily Elizabeth Pitcel of Cape Coral,
Florida, and cousin Petra Lettenbach of Duisburg, Germany.
He is preceded in death by his wife Denise Haupt on February 18, 2013.
Helmut was loved and adored by his family and friends, many of whom attended the Sports
Core health club in Kohler. His family asks to remember him by his gentle and loving spirit
which brought joy to so many. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service for Helmut was held on May 17 th , 2019.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Helmut’s arrangements.
