Helmuth Mettler, 86, Dickinson, died Thursday, November 29, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Helmuth’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with Rev. Cal Oraw officiating. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson, with military honors to follow the funeral and be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation will be on Monday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service and will continue one Tuesday from 8 a.m. to service time.
Helmuth D. Mettler was born February 14, 1926 in Beulah, the son of Ferdinand and Maria (Reede) Mettler. He was raised and educated in Beulah, and attended welding school in Chicago. He then through correspondence courses received his mechanics education.
He served honorably in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. Upon his discharge he returned to North Dakota and went to work as a mechanic for Schultz Machinery in Bismarck for many years before leaving to open his own business, Mettler Construction. Helmuth owned heavy duty equipment, where he did road construction, built culverts and dams until his retirement. During this time he was also in partnership with his brother, Oscar, in a farming operation. In his retirement he worked briefly for Candee Construction in the auto shop, and as an apartment owner and landlord.
Helmuth was united in marriage to Florence (Metz) Casady, on November 21, 1953 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson. They have made their home here in Dickinson, where he was a past member of the American Legion Club. He was primarily an auto mechanic, but as a handyman could fix, rebuild or repair anything from a watch to a washing machine. He enjoyed his vegetable garden, and helping Florence make pickles and put up rhubarb. With his abundant garden, he was able to share his vegetables with family and friends.
Helmuth is survived by his wife, Florence, who is in Life Care Center, Greeley, Colo.; their daughter, Shirley A. Casady, Greeley; one grandson, Shane Armijo, Greeley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and all of his siblings, Edmund Mettler, Oscar Mettler, Harry Mettler, Wilmer Mettler, Alvina Renner, Elsie Stimpson, Hertha Christenson, Ella Feik, and Hilda Perrine.
