Helmut Erhardt Obituary (1945 - 2025) - New Bern, North Carolina

Helmut B. Erhardt, born on April 3, 1945 in Linz, Austria, was a loving and generous soul who filled every room with warmth, kindness and laughter. He was a man who never met a stranger, always extending his hand in friendship to everyone he met. Helmut was a beacon of light and love, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His love for life was contagious, and his generosity knew no bounds. Helmut's journey began in Austria, at age 11, he immigrated to the United States, along with his mother and 5 siblings. He grew up in New York and New Jersey, and attended NYU for a while before he found his calling in the car business when he began working at his brother's BMW dealership. He went on to become the manager, dedicating 30 years to the dealership before retiring. In his retirement, Helmut and his loving wife, Kathleen, moved to the quaint southern town of New Bern, North Carolina. Here, he joined his wife in her business, "Hunting Horn," purveyors of fine jewelry. Despite his busy career, Helmut found time for his hobbies which included playing racquetball, sailing, and collecting model trains. His love for staying active and enjoying the water, especially sailing on his boat, was evident in his radiant smile whenever he was near the ocean or on his boat. Helmut is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Norris. Together, they built a life of love and laughter over the past 28 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer Mix (Tom); and four grandchildren, Jessica, Jack, Julianna, and Jenna; brothers, Hans Erhardt (Judy) and Henri Erhardt (Carol); his nieces, Marian Schloemer, Carol DeVito, and Margaret Miller and his nephews, Carl Erhardt and Eric J. Erhardt. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Erhardt, and mother, Helene Gusczyn, and his sister, Hildi Werner and elder brother, Eric.. Helmut's life was a testament to his generosity and love for his family and community. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, determination, and an enduring love for life that has touched all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life reminds us of the quote by Leo Buscaglia, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." The family will host a celebration of Helmut's singular life in the fall. Date and time will be shared on this page once the plans have been finalized. Please visit Helmut's memorial page where you are encouraged to share memories, upload photos, and celebrate the life of our beloved Helmut. We find solace in knowing that his love and generosity continue to inspire us, and his memory will forever live in our hearts.