Ronald "Ronnie" Keith Helderbrand

Ronald “Ronnie” Keith Helderbrand Sr., 74, of Knightstown, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. He was born on March 4, 1951, in Tacoma, Washington to the late Clesta and Betty (Stamper) Helderbrand.

Ronnie lived the majority of his life in the Knightstown and Carthage areas, where he was a beloved figure in the community. He began his career as an auto mechanic at the age of 16. He worked Don Davis Chrysler Dodger Jeep for many years until the dealership was sold to Ralph and Tim Staton. Ronnie later started his own business, Knightstown Tire and Auto, and devoted his life to his profession. Many in the community respected and admired him for his skill, dedication, and enthusiasm for his work. 

A proud 1969 graduate of Knightstown High School, Ronnie exemplified a life of dedication and hard work, not only in his career, but also as a veteran of the United States Army. His commitment to service extended beyond his military duties, as he was an active member of the Knightstown American Legion and attended Righteous Oaks Baptist Church.

Known for his infectious sense of humor, Ronnie had a remarkable ability to "fix anything" while bringing joy to those around him. He loved bluegrass gospel music and cherished traveling with his wife to various music festivals. He also had a unique love for clocks, filling his home with many different styles, humorously all showing a different time. In his younger years, Ronnie enjoyed drag racing and trying to outrun the law and dedicated countless hours to building engines and working on race cars.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 54 years, Gala Helderbrand; son, Bo (Jennifer) Helderbrand; grandchildren, Katie (John) McNary, Nick (Payton) Helderbrand, Christopher (Elizabeth) Craig, Jessica Craig, and Montana Craig; great grandchildren, Shaun Sims, Brayden Neal, Xavier Neal, Malachi Henry, Raelynn Fields, Nova Craig, Luna Craig, Forrest Craig, and Collyns McNary; siblings, Kevin (Holly) Helderbrand and Terry (Lisa) Helderbrand; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherri Day; granddaughter, Alyssa Craig; siblings, Gary Helderbrand, Kay (William) Elam, and Randy Helderbrand; and mother-in-law, Martha Shorey.

Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00pm Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, Knightstown Chapel. Funeral services will follow visitation, starting at 7:00pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. Cremation will take place at Hinsey Brown. Condolences and memories of Ronnie may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.