MARTIN ADAM HELI
Martin Adam Heli entered into eternal rest with God on March 14, 2021 at the age of 86, in his home in Acampo surrounded by his beloved wife, Melitta, and his devoted family. Martin was born on October 15, 1934 in Kunbaja, a primarily German village in Hungary. He was the oldest son of Martin and Anna Heli. He lived with his parents there, farming and growing grapes until they were relocated to Germany during the Soviet occupation after World War II. After several years in Germany and entering an auto mechanic apprenticeship, Martin with his family, emigrated for a better life in the United States, first to Colorado. After several years in Colorado, working as a mechanic, he relocated with his family to Aurora, Illinois.
In Aurora, he began work in the garment industry, serving several technical roles improving production line and plant processes. He served as an Honor Guard in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 with the 3 rd Infantry Regiment “Old Guard” in Arlington, Virginia. During his service, he had the proud honor of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen and remained a lifelong patriot for his adopted homeland. Returning to Illinois after his service ended, he rejoined the garment industry and furthered his education. In Aurora, Martin and Melitta married and raised four sons.
They moved to Lodi in 1976 to return to his lifelong passion for growing grapes and making wine. In addition to his success as a vintner for E&J Gallo, Martin served for 10 years on the San Joaquin County Agricultural Committee. He was a regular parishioner at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church and a leader in the Knights of Columbus at the Council, District, Assembly and State level for many decades, winning State level recognition and awards for his dedicated service to the community.
Martin had a strong faith in the Lord and trusted in Him to overcome all of life’s adversities and to share in its joys. He is survived by his loving wife, Melitta; his brother, Steven (Lora); his four sons, Richard, Gregory (Denise), Martin J. (Kathie), and Kurt; and treasured grandchildren, Matthew, Christopher, Nicholas, Martin D., Paul and Madeleine who gave him great joy.
A Catholic rosary will be recited at Collins Family Funeral Home on Thursday evening, March 25th at 6:00 P.M., with the visitation from 4 to 8:00 P.M. A Holy Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 215 Walnut St., Lodi on Friday, March 26th at 10:30 A.M with internment to follow at Lodi Memorial Park and Cemetery. Covid-19 restrictions will be observed. In lieu of flowers, donations in Martin’s memory may be made to St. Anne’s Church, Lodi, Knights of Columbus, Council 8709 or the donor’s choice.
The family thanks George Charos, M.D. of Stockton, Adventist Home Health Care, Hospice of San Joaquin and all of Martin’s wonderful health caregivers and friends.
Collins Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please sign the guest book at lodinews.com/guestbook.