• Visitation
  • Saturday, March 8th from 9-11am at St. Jacobi Lutheran Church, 8605 W Forest Home Avenue, Greenfield
• Funeral Service
  • • Saturday, March 8th starting at 11am at St. Jacobi Lutheran Church, 8605 W Forest Home Avenue, Greenfield

Helmuth Rogalla

Helmuth Rogalla, 93, passed into eternal life on February 26^th, 2025, with his loving wife of 67 years, Helene, by his side.

Helmuth was born on May 23^rd, 1931, to Wilhelm & Amalie (Doliwa) Rogalla in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. In his youth, he witnessed great political upheaval, and as he matured, he watched his homeland erupt into war. Yet despite those turbulent early years, Helmuth determined to work hard, keep moving forward, and never concede to the darker parts of life, but rather look for the humor and silliness in all things.

In 1956, while working at an appliance plant, he met another hard worker who caught both his eye and his heart, Helene Kucharzewski. They were married on August 16^th, 1957. Two years later, the newlyweds decided to take on a great adventure together and pursue their own “American Dream.” With only a few suitcases in tow, Helene and Helmuth boarded a boat bound for the United States, and on Friday, October 13^th, 1959, they landed in New York.

After settling in Milwaukee in 1960, Helene and Helmuth welcomed their daughter, Ramona. Over the subsequent years, Helmuth worked several jobs to support his family, including time at a steel factory, American Motors, Square D, and his brother-in-law’s burger joint, the Kwik Shake. In 1968, he opened his pride and joy, Helene’s Drive-in, located on the corner of 25^th and Mitchell Streets. For the next 16 years, Helene, Helmuth, and Ramona became known not only for serving up some of the best burgers, fries, and soft serve on the south side of Milwaukee, but also as beloved members of their community.

After closing Helene’s, Helmuth took a job with Regal Crest Village in Brookfield, where he worked until his retirement. Helmuth is preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as his siblings: Edelgard, Elsbeth, Gerda, Heinz, and Willi. He is survived by his wife Helene, daughter Ramona (Eric) Nimmer, five grandchildren: Joshua (Sarah) Nimmer, Hannah (Samuel) Seefeld, Eva Nimmer, Karl (Jessie) Nimmer, George Nimmer, and eight great-grandchildren: August, Cameron, Elena, Friedrich, Jordan, Martin, Reagan, and Sylvie.

Helmuth is remembered for his calm demeanor, jolly giggle, penchant for nicknames, and ever-impeccable hairstyle. He always kept any eye out for small projects around the house, and usually hummed a tune while he worked. Helmuth loved spending entire afternoons writing cards to family and friends in his signature flawless script, and entire evenings simply enjoying the good life alongside his wife, Helene. Helmuth delighted in Helene’s beautifully kept garden, delicious cakes, and devoted companionship over the years, and he frequently spoke of having “die beste Frau der Welt.” While Helmuth will be dearly missed, his loved ones take comfort in the fact that he now rests in the arms of the Lord.

Funeral: Saturday, March 8^th at 11am, with visitation from 9am until the time of service. St. Jacobi Lutheran Church, 8605 W Forest Home Avenue, Greenfield, WI, 53228.