Ralph Helmrich

Ralph Helmrich lived a full complicated life that he shared to his friends and family through stories. Ralph's stories varied, covering different places and times. Anyone that knew him would immediately recognize and remember the stories he told. From his cat Rooty-toot and the stud pants, to watching the St. Louis arch being built while commuting. He was as well known for the machines he made as he was for his stories, specializing in aerosol engineering. He designed dozens of machines for a variety of different applications. One of his specialties was pepper spray, working extensively in the chemical defense spray field over many years. His name is on 16 patents related to the aerosol can industry. He did extensive consulting with both Fortune 500 Companies and start ups in Military, Food, Cosmetics, Personal Care and Novelties. With over 50 years of engineering experience and a vision to make the impossible, possible, he would get the job done with a glad heart. The name Ralph Helmrich was synonymous with a beautiful Abyssinian Cat in the Cat Fanciers Association. He helped produce more than 20 cats that were titled DM(Distinctive Merit), 3 National Winners and over 130 Grand Champions. With his wife Karen, Abyssinian was elevated and perfected in their corner of the world and beyond. In 2004 an opportunity rose to sell his current business. Karen and Ralph decided to take it and spend the next six years traveling across the United States in an RV with their children, Leah and Byron. Once Ralph retired from canning and aerosols, he needed something new to do. Ralph and his daughter Leah got into the same hobby - making jewelry. They bought kits, took classes, read books, experimented and learned together. After accomplishing some proficiency, the natural next step was looking for an outlet to sell their creations. A friend mentioned there was a new online platform dedicated to handmade creators. It was 2007 and of course, the friend was referring to Etsy. The Helmrich family opened their Etsy Shop in October 2007 with 5 jewelry listings and had the incredible luck of selling a bracelet on the very first day. They were hooked! In the coming months, they sold on average, 1 piece of jewelry a week, and then 1 a day and then more. Ralph particularly enjoyed the skill and precision that went into high quality jump rings and jewelry components. The customers loved Ralph for his advice that he freely gave, the personalized care he gave to every order, and the expert handling of their purchases. Their shop is currently 16th out of 2.1 million shops world wide. Ralph got the flu in January 2020. The doctors thought he was on the mend a month later after a short visit to the hospital. When he came home, he had a physical therapist helping him get his strength back. A week later he took a turn for the worse and did not want to continue any treatment. He passed away at home Monday evening, February 10th, with his wife Karen by his side. Since his friends and family are wide spread, this site will serve as a virtual memorial where memories and stories can be shared and cherished by all. A private service will be held by the family at a later date when Ralph's ashes will be scattered along his favorite trout stream.