Helmich, Robert “Bob” M.

Robert “Bob” M. Helmich, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday January 13, 2025, at Upland Hills Nursing & Rehab Center in Dodgeville. He was born on January 10, 1934; the son of Wallace and Mamie (Belk) Helmich.

After high school, Bob enlisted in the army. He was eventually stationed in Munich Germany where he was a Master Sergeant and paratrooper in the airborne division. While in Germany, Bob married his first wife and mother of his three children, Mary Potter. They were married for 53 years before her passing in 2009. 

Bob farmed in northern Illinois and near Gratiot, WI for a few years before relocating to the Montfort area, where he proudly lived and was an active member of the community for 37 years. On December 15, 2012, Bob married Janet Cooper. Bob and Jan enjoyed their golden years together.

In his younger years, Bob enjoyed model airplanes, often taking them out to fly. He was a proud member of the Montfort VFW, Lions Club, and the American Legion. Bob was also long-time member of Peace Lutheran Church in Cobb. An avid bowler, Bob spent many years on the bowling league at Tower Junction, which also happened to be his restaurant of choice in his later years. Bob had a deep passion for agribusiness and was the owner and manager of Countryside Feed & Grain. He retired in 2013 at the age of 80. His contributions to the community and love for his family will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his wife Janet; children: Sam (Mary Kay) Helmich, Ky (Marlys) Helmich, and Carl Helmich; grandchildren: Ria (Brian) Arndt, Alisa (Leon) McIntosh, Gabriel (Bethany) Helmich, Kate (Chris Thomas) Helmich, Sam (Alexa Earlywine) Helmich, Tim (Lori) Niedziela, and Nicole Lee; great grandchildren: Raina Arndt, Colby, Colt, and Maggie McIntosh, Ava, Ethan, and Raphael Helmich, Ros and Ada Helmich, Genevieve and Connor Niedziela, and Ryan Lee; step children: Lynia (Greg Huff) Ghormley, Erin (Bjorge) Austad, and Lisa DuWell; step grandchildren: Frank DuWell, Minken Austad, Rebecca Austad, Ben Huff and Xander Huff; step great grandchild, Kyler Huff; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his trusty companion and beloved pup, Max.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mary; siblings: Marjorie Farrell, Marilyn Helmich, Wallace “Bud” Helmich, and Gene Helmich; and beloved dog, Dolly.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. noon on Monday January 20, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in Cobb. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday, at the church. Immediately following the service at church, a luncheon will be held at Tower Junction in Montfort. Inurnment will take place in May 2025 in Log Church Cemetery in Hanover, IL with a reception to follow at the Hanover VFW. Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com.