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Robert Helgens
ROBERT HELGENS
Monticello
Robert William Helgens, 79, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2014, in his home surrounded by his family after a battle with lung cancer. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello. Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, is assisting the family.
Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert's name to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.
Surviving Robert are his wife, Garnett; his daughters, Treva Guyer (Tony), Pam Helgens and Cindy Helgens; his brother, James Helgens; and eight grandchildren, Michael Helgens, Matt Johnson, Michaela Devaney, Shay Helgens, Shanice Nieto, Ashley Dixon, Taylor Guyer and Anthony Guyer. Also six great-grandchildren, Ryanna, Charly, Parker, Nikoli, Alyvia and Isayah; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Helgens; mother, Anna Folken-Helgens; his brother, Richard; and a sister, Wilma Risk
Robert William Helgens was born June 17, 1934, at the John McDonald Hospital in Monticello, Iowa. Robert was the son of Anna Folken-Helgens and Wilhelm Christoph Helgens. Bob attended the Monticello Community Schools. He served three years as a member of the United States Navy, serving until 1955 aboard the USS Helena.
Bob then went to Alaska where he worked on the railroad and crab boats. He returned to Iowa, where he met his wife, Garnett Heady, in 1958 and they were married Dec. 4, 1961. They were married for 52 years and had three children. Bob had worked at
Iowa Manufacturing and Gelefold Construction in Spencer and Cedar Falls. The couple moved back to Monticello in 1963 and Bob worked at Energy Manufacturing. He and Jim Schneider later operated Schneider and Helgens Construction. Bob owned his own excavating business, Bob Helgens Excavating, for 21 years before he became an over--the-road truck driver, until he retired to spend time with his family.
The family would like to thank Above and Beyond Hospice for there care of Bob and the whole family during his illness.
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