Helmut Gertjegerdes, the retired publisher of The Columbus Times newspaper, died Oct. 23, 2025, at his home in Columbus. He was 90. Born in Germany, he worked in New York City as a fashion photographer, and it was there that he met his future wife, Carol. He also worked for Ophelia DeVore Cosmetics, the Ophelia DeVore School and the Grace Del Marco Model Agency, the businesses of Carol's mother, Dr. Ophelia DeVore Mitchell, a pioneer in fashion and modeling, and he was a supervisor at the Fairlawn Bookbindery in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. He moved to Columbus in 1973. At The Columbus Times, which Carol's mother founded in 1965, he served as managing editor, was promoted to co-publisher and later became publisher, the post he held until he retired. He published the paper together with Carol and their daughter, Petra. Carol has said the family was determined to see African American stories told in a positive light, and that he wanted to show the good in everyone, whatever their color or origin. Under his leadership the newspaper bought its office building at 2230 Buena Vista Road and won awards for its work. The paper was a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, a group of more than 200 African American newspapers and publications in the United States and South America. He and Carol were married 62 years. Survivors include his wife, Carol; his daughters, Petra and Tanya; and his sons, Mark and Helmut.