Richard Heldman

Richard “Kramer” Heldman lived his life the way he did most things: with humor, sarcasm, loyalty, a good story, and a willingness to wing it as he went along.

Richard was funny, sometimes intentionally, and had a sarcastic wit that kept everyone around him on their toes. He was often the life of the party and had a way of making people feel like they were part of whatever fun was happening.

Kramer was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed the game. He also firmly believed he was quite good at it. Those who regularly played alongside him may remember things a little differently and describe his abilities as more “average,” but Richard never let a scorecard interfere with his confidence.

He also had no shortage of stories, particularly from his time in the military. Richard could tell a story in a way that made people laugh whether they were hearing it for the first time or the twelfth. Like any good storyteller, some of the details may have become a little more colorful as the years went by, but that was part of the fun of hearing him tell them.

As Richard told it, he started working at the age of four, which meant he had quite the career by the time he finally called it quits. He spent more than 25 years working for Leech and Russell and was a member of Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 440. Richard worked hard throughout his life, but he also understood that there was more to life than work.

He believed in enjoying life and not taking everything too seriously. On occasion, when Wild Turkey entered the picture, things could get a little more interesting. More than anything, though, Richard was fiercely loyal to the people he loved. He was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild and would do just about anything for his family.

Richard had a way of showing up for the people who mattered to him. He made his family and friends laugh, gave them plenty of stories to tell, and reminded them that sometimes the best thing you can do is enjoy the moment and laugh along with everyone else.

Richard is survived by his wife, Terri Heldman; his children, Crystal (David) Stone and Russell Blaesing; his grandchildren, Nathan Charlton and Jordan (Lexy) Charlton; his great-grandchild, Kolton; his brother, Mike (Joa) Heldman; his sister-in-law, Mary Heldman; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, Henry and Judy Heldman; his son, Christopher Stone; and his siblings, Fritz Heldman, Hank Heldman, David Heldman, and Becky Heldman.

Richard leaves behind people who loved him deeply, a lifetime of laughter, and stories that will undoubtedly continue to be told and possibly embellished in his honor. He was funny, loyal, sarcastic, confidently average at golf, and completely himself.

His family likes to think that Richard is now riding around in a golf cart beside Phil, laughing at anyone shedding tears over him and probably insisting that his last shot was better than everyone remembers.

Come help us celebrate the life of Richard “Kramer” Heldman and share the stories, laughter, and memories that made him who he was.

To share a memory of Richard or leave a special message for his family, visit the guestbook below.

Please join us for the Celebration of Life

Friday, September 11th

6:00p – 9:30p

Irvington Event Center

6767 East Washington Street

Indianapolis, IN 46219