Mr. Dan Edward Helt, 64, of Rochester, passed away Monday, November 4, 2013 at 5:33 p.m. On January 6, 1949, Dan, the first son of John A. and Margaret E. Zumbaugh Helt was born in Rochester. As one of eight children, growing up he shared his childhood with two sisters, Christina and Jean, and 5 brothers: David, Bob, Kevin, Larry and Kerry. In 1967 with great Zebra pride Dan graduated with his class from Rochester High School. Dan and Kathy Jean Leak Smith were married on June 11, 1977 in Lizton. Together they shared 36 years of life's adventures. To relax Dan and Kathy looked forward to heading to Indy for the Brickyard 400. They also enjoyed dining out at the Moose Lodge Family Center of which he was a member. A life long Zebra fan, Dan closely followed the men of our gridiron, and the track team in the spring. In the early 1980's when the Little League Diamond needed some upgrades, it was Dan who was in the thick of things helping with the needed transformation. An avid NASCAR fan, Jeff Gordon, #24, was his favorite driver. With a passion for operating heavy equipment, as a young man, Dan owned Helt Excavating. From that passion came his nickname "Dozer Dan." Dan was very content to be moving dirt, clearing the ground from the seat of his bulldozer or backhoe. He always made time to help his friends and family with whatever they needed. Carpentry and working with his hands was also a strength he shared with others. He also tinkered with mechanics Left to cherish Dan's memory are his wife Kathy; two sons: Brad Smith and companion Morgan Lahrman of Mulberry, and Ryan Helt and wife Alicia of Rochester; a granddaughter Cameron Smith; a granddog Shiloh, a silver and black German Shepherd with a highlight of red to enhance his coat; two sisters: Jean Baker and husband Kenneth of Rochester, Christina Smith and husband Steve of South Whitley; four brothers: David Helt and wife Karen, Robert Helt and wife Sharon, Kevin Helt and Larry Helt, all of Rochester. Preceding Dan in death are his parents, grandparents and a brother Kerry Helt on Nov. 17, 1994. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.