Alfred Paul Heldman, 87 of Jenera went to his heavenly home on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Toledo Hospital.  He was born at home in Eagle Township on March 18, 1936, to the late Franklin and Ida (Schaller) Heldman. He was baptized on May 3, 1936, started attending Trinity Lutheran School in 1948 in the 7 th grade, the year the school opened, and then confirmed on May 14, 1950.

Alfred graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1954.  He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959-1961 in Korea. On September 1, 1968, he married Mary Louise Opp. They enjoyed 55 years together and she survives. From this union they were blessed with five children: James (Stacy) Heldman of Jenera, Susan (Jerry) Lawrence of Jenera, Joy (Sukey Austin) Heldman of Littleton, Colorado, Mark (Stacey) Heldman of Findlay, and Paul (Kelly) Heldman of Medford, Wisconsin. 

Alfred is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Emily and Abigail Heldman, Nicole, Greg and Nate Lawrence, Jade Austin, Allison and Andrew Heldman, Alex, Aaron, Micah and Madison Heldman, and three great-grandchildren: Natalia and Sophia Casarez and Jaxson Heldman. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Heldman and two sisters, Audrey Boehm and Irene Hutton.

Alfred was a life-long member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jenera where he served as a Trustee and Elder. He oversaw Lutherans for Life Committee for many years and was also a member of the choir for over 60 years.

Alfred was a retired organic farmer who loved his Ferguson “Fergy” 35. He was well known for his massive gardens and fruit trees. He loved writing poetry, fishing, woodworking, tinkering with his inventions and listening to barbershop quartets. He very much enjoyed his grandchildren, and you could always find him at their sporting events, plays and musical concerts. He was a very kind and humble man. Those who knew him loved him. He was always there for anyone who needed him and was willing to lend a hand. He was a strong Christian leader and put God and family first in all things. He will be truly missed by his family and friends and although he is now gone from our eyes, he will remain forever in our hearts. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at Crates Funeral Home, Arlington. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera where additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. Monday until the time of service.  Rev. Matt Nowak will officiate with the burial following at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Alfred to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 301 Main St, Jenera, OH 45841. Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting www.coldrencrates.com/