Helmut Rienhard Woehrle

Helmut Rienhard Woehrle, 77, of Vermilion, died Friday, February 10, 2017 at Mercy Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was born January 6, 1940 in Newark, NJ, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 49 years moving from Bristol, CT. Helmut attended General Motors Institute, Flint, MI on a Co-op program from 1957-1961, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with a GPA of 4.0. In 1961, on a complete scholarship, Helmut attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (R.P.I) the oldest engineering college in the United States, located in Troy, New York. He graduated in 1965 Summa Cum Laude with a Doctor of Science Degree. During his time at Rensselaer, Helmut was inducted into many honorary organizations; OAT; GM Institute 10 year Graduate Service; AEM; and Alpha Tau Iota. Upon gradation from RPI, Helmut was recruited to stay within General Motors, Harrison, New Jersey, and eventually moving to New Departure Hyatt, Sandusky, OH. At the early age of 32, Helmut was honored to be promoted to the position of Chief Metallurgist, being the youngest to be promoted to that position, over seeing operations in both Sandusky and Dayton, OH for over 25 years, until his retirement in 1992. During his tenure at New Departure Hyatt, Helmut was instrumental in the creation of the tapper bearing that first appeared in the 1980 Chevrolet Citation, and is still being used today in G.M. cars. Helmut and his family criss-crossed the United States twice for recreation, showing their daughters the United States of America. Not only sight seeing in America, Helmut and Louise also made several trips to Europe, visiting many notable sights and countries. For Helmut and Louise's 50 wedding anniversary, the entire family enjoyed a Caribbean Cruise together. Helmut is survived by his wife of 55 years, Louise (nee Siano) Woehrle; daughters, Lynne Marie (Todd) Stephenson of Dickson, TN and Beth Anne (Robert) Sponaugle of Maysville, KY; and his grandchildren, Dylan Dakota Hall and Jordan Sponaugle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gottlieb and Ella Marta (nee Weiss) Woehrle. The family will receive friends on Monday, February 13, 2017 from 4-8 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Father Ron Brickner will officiate. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society Ohio Division Inc., 10501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 . Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.