Joe Hellner was a man who dedicated his life to the young people of his community. The effect he had on young people was extraordinary. He helped teach values and discipline through his coaching and his example.

Joe’s coaching career at St. Clement was legendary. He compiled a record of 502-113 in basketball, 43-17 in football, and 144-40 in baseball for an overall winning percentage of .750. His teams captured 17 city championships and 36 league championships. However, Joe’s contributions reached much further than his coaching. The principals and discipline that were the heart of his coaching helped form a value base that all those who played for him would carry with them throughout their lives.

Joe also shared many summers with young men from St. Bernard at his camp in Michigan. This was a time when these young men learned the value of work but just as important the value of their lives in a positive manner. He was indeed an inspiration to all who knew him. Everyone who had the pleasure to know Joe carry a piece of him with their hearts and attempt to pass on his spirit to the youth of today.

We would like to thank Joe for all he did for the young people of our community and for the standards he set for us to maintain. The young people of our community need role models like Joe Hellner, help us to keep his spirit alive.

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