Robert Edward Helm

Robert Edward Helm

February 19, 1927 - March 22, 2015

Robert Edward Helm

February 19, 1927 - March 22, 2015

Obituary

Robert (Bob) Helm was born on February 19th, 1927 in Evanston, Illinois and passed away on March 22nd, 2015 in Laguna Hills, California. He was a part of what is fondly referred to as “The Greatest Generation,” and I can’t help but smile as I say that because it is how we all truly feel about him. He grew up during the Great Depression, a grim time to say the least, and yet if you were to speak with him you would have thought it was the best time to grow up. He would always tell us stories of how delicious the tomatoes were that his mother was able to grow and how much he loved picking them. It didn’t matter to him that he ate tomatoes everyday or that their small garden was about the only thing keeping his family alive through those hard times, he was just happy everyone was healthy and that they had something to eat. His other great love was baseball, especially because it was his brother who taught him to play. He and Billy would often go after school to the park and play baseball for hours. Then WWII began and his brother Billy immediately enlisted to fight for his country. This greatly impacted Bob because to him, Billy was the most amazing person in the world and he feared that something might happen to Billy. Unfortunately, his fears came true and Billy was killed in action. This was devastating to not only him, but to his entire family. Although he knew the risks, he decided the best way to honor his brother’s death was to serve his country just as Billy had done and so he enlisted in the Army immediately upon graduating High School.

Fortunately for all of us he survived WWII and went on to college to be an aeronautical engineer and then joined the Air Force. It was during this time that he married my mom Hope Joanne Rask, whom he referred to as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They were married for 54 years and they had 2 children Laura Helm-Gasga and Jeff Helm. They eventually moved to California because he had gotten a job working in the aerospace industry. He worked for various companies but Northrup was his favorite and he remained with them for over 25 years. While at Northrup he enjoyed being a part of many top-secret projects including the designing of components for the Saturn IV rocket, which was the first rocket to bring man to the moon, and his personal favorite the B-2 Spirit, more commonly known as the “Stealth Bomber”. Though he lived an incredible life, or as he would put it, “A rather ordinary life”, what we remember most was the way he was with us, his family. He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, and father. He coached Jeff’s baseball team up until high school and would play for hours in the backyard with his grandsons. He would always give selflessly in order to provide a better life for his wife, children, and grandsons (Tejler, Josh, Zack, and Jacob) all of whom he would do anything for. He truly went above and beyond for all of us but what I am especially thankful for is the way he treated my sons Tejler and Josh as his own.

Though he would attend anything that his grandsons were involved in, what he loved most was watching them play baseball, a sport he, his brother, and his father all played. His abundance of love was not just restricted to his family; he loved all of the boys and people who were a part of his children and grandchildren’s lives. He would always ask us how they were all doing and we could tell it was because he truly cared.

Lastly and most importantly, he was a strong Christian man who instilled faith in his children and grandchildren. Although we miss him very much it does bring us all great comfort and joy to know that he is now home in heaven with the Lord and his loved ones. His last wishes were to let everyone know of Christ’s love for them and he hoped that his funeral would be a celebration not of him but of the joy that one can achieve by accepting Jesus Christ into their lives. He declared that he would be rejoicing in heaven if anyone accepted Christ, because then he would know that they would have everlasting life and that one day he would see them again. ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’ (John 17:25-26) God bless him and may he rest in peace.

Bob’s family welcomes flowers, or a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society in his name if you prefer. To make a donation, please go to www.cancer.org, hit the Donate button, and fill out the information with Bob’s name.

No Events & Services

No Charities & Donations

No Gallery Photos

No Videos

13 responses to Robert Edward Helm

  1. Carol Morris says:

    I will always remember the uplifting service that was held in memory of your dad today, Laura. I feel like your dad was a humble man who gave a lot of love to his family and who devoted himself to his grandchildren. Your eulogy to your dad was so touching and captured who he was and how he lived.
    Tiejalr was so eloquent in describing your dad as his grandfather, father, and best friend.
    Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art were played so joyfully and the message that was preached was beautiful and a great testimony to your family’s faith in Jesus Christ. The military presence at the cemetery was touching and fitting for your dad’s years of service to the U.S.A. The presentation of the flag to his eldest grandchild was heart-rending.
    The reception following the service was evidence of how loved your dad and your family are. There were so many kind and loving people present to celebrate your dad’s life and to show you that we love you and care about you all.
    I think you honored your dad’s wishes nobly. May he rest in peace. May God comfort you and your family in the days to come. We are here for you. God will heal the broken-hearted and bring you rest and peace.
    Love,
    Carol Morris xo

  2. As a young man I grew up with the Helms as neighbors. They were the perfect family to me. Kind of like watching Ozzie and Herriot on Television. Bob would go to work Monday – Friday and the kids would run to see him as he came home from work. Joanne would make the family home comfortable and warm, Laura and Jeff the two almost perfect children, and on Sunday they would attend church. I looked to their family to see what I wanted in my life for my family.

    Bob is a great patriarch who loves his family with all that he was and had, no man can do more. He will now join his sweet bride, Joanne and they together will watch over their family from heaven. Families are forever…so he will now join his parents, brother and those on the other side, rejoicing in Gods comfort and joy.

    There will be a void for many especially for Laura, Jeff and their children, but as they do as Bob would and serve others, their Joy will be full and his memory celebrated. May the LORD continue to bless and watch over the Helm clan.

    Your Friend and neighbor
    Dennis Thornton

  3. Laura, Teijler and Josh you were the pride and joy of your father and grandfather whose life centered around your family and Lucy whom brought him much joy . The service was inspiring and what an incredible eulogy about him and his life and passions . We will miss seeing his smiling face and Blake spoke of all the fond memories with Bob and Josh driving to school and his generosity and kindness . He will b missed by so many :pray:
    – Danny,Camille,Chase,Grant & Blake

Reply to a Condolence Cancel reply

Choose a Candle