Robert V. “Bob” Helmer died at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point, MT on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
Bob was born in San Francisco, California to James and Marge (Lowe) Helmer in October 11, 1943 while his Dad was serving in the military. He was joined by a sister, Luana.
Bob was talented and could accomplish about anything he set his mind to do.
He grew up in the Poplar, MT area. He graduated from Poplar High School in 1961. He attended college at Bozeman, MT at MSU. Bob received his bachelor’s degree from MSU in 1976. He also served in the military for three years, serving in Vietnam for two years.
Bob was an avid bowler and fisherman. He was inducted into the Montana Bowling and Walleyes Halls of Fame. He placed in numerous tournaments on Fort Peck Lake and in Canada. He was Wolf Point – Poplar Walleyes Unlimited angler of the year in 2007.
Bob farmed the summer months and bowled during the winter months.
Bob married Linda Hentges Hagestad Helmer on June 21, 1990 in Great Falls, MT. They made their home in Wolf Point. He worked for the BIA road department for several years.
When Bob retired, he enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes. He also spent a lot of time at Fort Peck Lake fishing with family and friends until his health would no longer allow it.
He was preceded in death by his wife Linda, his parents and sister, Luana Sauer.
He is survived by Linda’s children, Van (Theresa) Hagestad, Ryan (Dana) Hagestad, Vanessa (Mark) Bean and Janel (Eugene) Turnbaugh and several grandchildren. Also surviving is nephew, Michael J. (Cindy) and their son, Michael Sauer, numerous cousins, in-laws and friends. He had a big heart and was Grandpa Bob to many.
Cremation has taken place. Services will be set at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Charles Trinder says
Rest in peace Bob. We had a long road together growing up. You are missed.
David Schumacher says
So sorry to hear of Bobs passing. he was a great friend and a better bowler may God comfort his family at this time 🙏
Connie Dahl says
Grandpa Bob is still loved by our children and we will dearly miss him, as neighbor, “Grandpa Bob” and friend. Fifteen plus years of precious, precious memories. He embodied the concept it takes a village to raise a child and he was ever watching to make sure our kids were good drivers, fishermen/women. He encouraged them to use their gifts and diligent in teaching life skills of cooking and keeping house, paying bills, mowing lawn. Sayonara my friend. You will be missed.
Robert, Donna, Kendra & Jordan Schulz- G&S Marina Outfitters says
We are very saddened over the passing of our dear fishing friend Grandpa Bob. He was a very generous and one of a kind man with lots of fishing stories to tell! 🎣 He will never be forgotten. Always so very proud of his Skeeter Boat. We enjoyed the many ‘very fast’ boat rides on the lake with him. He always made sure his boat was the fastest! Our Condolences to all his family, friends and all who ever met and fished with Bob. Tight Lines forever…🎣 Robert, Donna, Kendra & Jordan Schulz of G&S Marina Outfitters in Strasbourg Saskatchewan, Canada.
Nyla Braaten says
So sorry, he always had the best stories. Rest in peace.
Gay Pennington says
So sorry to see that Bob past away. I got to no him when we live on the block in Poplar. He would always make us laugh and telling us stories. He would always show us his fish he had caught. I always like to stop over and visit him and his mom Marge. My grandparents moved next door to the Helmer’s. So we got closed to than. Bob rest in peace and go fishing and enjoy life. Be with your family. May God be with you all. A friend from Poplar Gay (Stephanie Paulson) Pennington Billings Mt.
Julie Rathert Schreibvogel says
Thoughts and prayers –
Sandra (Culbertson) Albertson says
Of course, we probably haven’t seen each other since high school days, but I remember you and you family as very kind. RIP Bob!
Jeanne Charpentier says
Bowler, fisherman and exceptional dancer. It’s been a longtime since we won a “twist” contest.
Siento mucho su perdida.
Karen Kajiwara-Nelson says
I’ll miss seeing you and listening to all your terrible jokes. I hope you find the best fishing hole and you can rest easy there.
Gordon Nelsen says
Enjoyed growing up with Bob, he was always a good friend! The Peace of God be with you!
Emily Patch says
I think everyone knew and liked Bobby Helmer. I’m older than him, but grew up just across the street. His dad and my dad grew up next door to each other. As we all know he was an excellent bowler, fisherman, dancer and jokester. I knew two of the Helmer family dogs-Amelia and Shortie. I picture Linda and Bob sitting by a stream up in Canada with two dogs, Amelia & Shortie beside them. RIP my friend.
Pat Byrne says
I met Bob in a swimming class at MSU. One day after class he asked me to go to the Student Union cafeteria for cup of coffee. Our friendship started from there. I went to his home in Poplar with him, met his mother and went through the family album. That album confirmed that there was actually some truth to Bob’s wild stories. I also remember that his mother’s favorite TV show was Lawrence Welk. Bob was an expert of the indoor sports. Dancing, bowling and being a very good pool player were all in his tool chest. I envied the way he stroked a cue stick. Bob was one of the ushers for my wedding in 1974. Our friendship went on for several years after until my wife and I had our daughter. After that Bob’s interest in maintaining the friendship seemed to cool off. I have no idea why to this day. I hope Bob had a good and rewarding life. From the comments above, it appears that he did. Rest in peace to one of my old best friends!