Douglas Hellmers

Douglas Martin Hellmers, age 71, of Yankton, South Dakota, died unexpectedly on Monday, June 24, 2019 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton. Douglas was born January 29, 1948 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Walter and Evelyn (Blair) Hellmers. He graduated from Norfolk High School and then joined the United States Navy. Douglas served on the USS Constellation. After his discharge, he lived in Omaha, Nebraska for a several years. On April 27, 1974, Douglas married DeAnn Behlers. They were married until 1980. Douglas completed the Policy Academy Program and worked for the Wayne Police Department. In 1993, he became a nursing assistant and worked at various nursing homes in the Wayne, Norfolk and Yankton areas. Douglas loved watching martial arts and war movies. He also enjoyed playing cards, the Nebraska Cornhuskers and San Diego Chargers. Douglas is survived by his daughter, Annette (Joseph) Ping of Wayne, NE; grandson, Brady Ping; three brothers: Tom (Judy) Hellmers of Waco, TX, Ron (Carol) Hellmers of Spring Valley, CA, Larry Hellmers of Norfolk; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Douglas was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, James Ping.