Dr. Helmut M. Sassenfeld of Huntsville died Sept 01, 2014. He is preceded in death by his son Karl and his wife Evelyn June, née Hill, a native of Huntsville. Helmut Sassenfeld was born on Sunday, July 4, 1920 in the City of Emmerich, Germany. At that time, Germany was still suffering greatly from the consequences of losing World War I. His father and his grandfather both were professors of mathematics. It did not take long for Helmut’s love and talent for mathematics and natural science to come forth. When he was 19, World War II broke out and he was drafted into the Air Force which interrupted his science education. He went into the short war with France. Soon after, he was picked for a special program to study meteorology. While still in the military, he continued his studies and was then given a medical discharge. Despite being seriously ill, he continued to study. Toward the end of the war, he barely survived the great bombing and fire attack in Dresden. Having lost everything, he finally escaped from the Russian Zone to Darmstadt. When he had finished his studies, he was invited by the Americans to a year-long fellowship at Columbia University. When he returned to Germany, he applied for an Immigration Visa to the USA. In 1953, he came to Huntsville, joining missile development and worked specifically on computer-use applied missile development. It was here he fell in love with June Hill, a native of Huntsville. It was love at first sight for both. His career started in several private industries with computer related development and later at White Sands Missile Range as a civilian employee as a scientific adviser. Helmut and June created a loving family of six sons and three daughters. Finally, Helmut and June returned for retirement to Huntsville. In 1975, while still in El Paso, Texas, he joined the deacon program of the Catholic Church and was ordained in 1977. He also studied Sacred Scripture. In the 35 years of service as a deacon and living in a large family, he recognized soon that life and love are the greatest gifts that come from God. Our purpose can only be to love God and to love one another, as Christ has told us. Deacon Helmut served the last twenty years at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Dr. Sassenfeld is survived by his sons: Dr. Helmut Jr., Hans, Kurt, Eric, Dr. Rolfe; and daughters Rhoda Johnson, Greta June Brasgalla, and Nora Tocci; eighteen grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Visitation and Rosary service will be Friday Sept. 12, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Funeral Mass and Internment will be at the Good Shepard Columbarium Saturday at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Father Louis Giardino, Pastor of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alabama Public Television.
