Robert Helberg

Robert Helberg, Sr., age 87 of Holgate died peacefully Sunday morning, June 19, 2011 in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born December 11, 1923 in Malinta to Arthur and Julia (Badenhop) Helberg. He graduated from Malinta-Grelton High School. On December 12, 1942 he married Bonita Knapp at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamler. He was a WWII Army veteran. He was a life-long farmer and metal fabricator, having worked part-time in various local fabrication shops. He designed and built much of his own farm equipment over the years. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Holgate.

Recently, he received an award from the Holgate Local Schools for his dedicated years of service on the local school board and the Henry County Board of Education. This award will now be given annually to a dedicated person in the community and be known as "The Bob Helberg Award".

He is survived by his wife Bonita; sons, Bob (Marian), Jr., Perry, FL, Bill (Elaine), New Bavaria, Brian (Cinda), Napoleon, Joe (Jennifer), Malinta, and Todd, Defiance; daughters, Barb Helberg, Napoleon, Mary (Jim) McCafferty, McClure and Cara (Lee) Kirkum, McClure; 17 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson, 3 step grandchildren; and 6 step great grandchildren; a brother, Arthur Helberg, Jr., Napoleon; and a sister-in-law, Irene Helberg, Bowling Green. He was preceded in death by a sister, Elvera (Charles) Conn and a brother Wilbur Helberg.

Friends will be received in the Zachrich Funeral Home, Holgate on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and one hour before the services. The celebration of Bob's life will be Thursday at 10:00 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Grelton Cemetery, Grelton. Memorial contributions can be made in Bob's honor to Henry County Hospice or St. Peter's Lutheran Church.