Birth date: Nov 3, 1942 Death date: Jul 21, 2025
Robert P. Helbach November 3, 1942 – July 21, 2025 Robert Patrick Helbach unexpectedly passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025 at the age of 82. Bob was born on November 3, 1942, in the same bedroom he slept in for the past 60 years Read Obituary
I'm so saddened to hear of Bob's passing.
I got to know Bob and some of his boys through my work at the Amherst Grain Plant for many years.
Such a great family. Bob was always had kind words, was always so nice to visit with.
He will be missed by so many.
Try as you might, you will never find a better husband, father, neighbor, friend, employer. Bob shaped the lives of so many in ways he probably never appreciated. He willingly shared his vast knowledge, but he did so in a way that left you wanting to hear more. It came naturally to him and was never forced. I learned very early in life that when Bob was talking, pay attention and soak it up. His love of baseball was contagious. I enjoyed the game, but I never had the passion for it that Bob or any of the Lanark gang (Helbach, Peskie, Buelow, etc) did for that matter. Being a teammate of George, Rob, and Cork came with a huge privilege. Bob was ALWAYS there. He was always welcome in the dugout. His advice and encouragement was always positive. No disrespect to Coach Schweizer, Coach "Gomes", or Coach Barz, but when Bob would fill in while one of them was on vacation, I could not have enjoyed playing more than I did in those games. He had a knack for inspiring the team to play hard and try to please him. Those were the moments when it was almost possible to experience his level of passion for the game. Almost. That ability to inspire was not limited to baseball. You could see it in his children and grandchildren and how they conducted themselves and raised their own families. You could see it in his own life and how he practiced his faith and how others followed his example.
I recall an evening 30 years ago. The Krutza clan was gathered at Shorty and Caroline's home across the street from St. James church. Bob stopped over after Saturday night church service. The families had shared a lot of memories with each other over the years. Deer hunting as a group was always a good time (even though I don't recall ever firing my weapon). Anyway, Bob had everyone's attention. Someone had asked him why he was supporting a political candidate. "I have to. He is pro life." His conviction, certainty, and confidence he displayed in that brief succinct answer stick with me to this day.
As all who knew him are, I am simply so sad. But, I have the confidence and peace in knowing that if he has had such a lasting positive impact on my life, how could he not have an even greater impact on all those kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. May God Bless his soul and the entire Helbach family.
