Obituary of Michael Harry Helmrich

Michael Harry Helmrich, 69, resident of Doniphan, Missouri, died one month after a diagnosis of a fast-moving cancer. Mike was born July 16, 1950 in Amite, Louisiana, son of Harry Herman Helmrich and Yvonne Cora Helmrich. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. Those left to morn his passing include his beloved wife, Jackie Nigro Helmrich; his brother, Mark Helmrich; Aunt Joyce Perrin; and Jackie’s cousins, Diana Lea Jones and Janine Jones. Mike attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. In 1987, Mike met his wife, Jackie, in Sacramento, California, and together they lived a life of adventure for 35 years with Mike leading the way with his unending love for the land, woods, and waters. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Mike and Jackie were musicians, with Jackie singing and Mike playing guitar and also singing with his beautiful singing voice. He was the Musical Director for their music. Because of the music, they traveled to Alaska for a gig, and once there fell in love with Sitka, Alaska, where they settled from 1998 to 2012. Mike lived his Alaska dream, hunting and fishing in the Alaska Wilderness. Mike and Jackie continued to play music full time in Sitka, Alaska, and in addition, Mike became a Charter Captain doing fishing charters in the summer. In 2016 Mike felt the pull to get back to his Southern roots, and Mike and Jackie moved to Missouri and fell in love with their new home which provided enough land for Mike to be able to enjoy hunting on his own property. Anyone who knew Mike knew that what you see is what you get. He was always true to himself and had a great sense of humor with a positive approach at life. He always had a smile and kind word for everyone. He will be missed by so many friends and family. Mike will be loved forever and never forgotten by his wife, Jackie.