Robert Helming

Lansford

Robert (Bob) Lynn Helming, 80, Lansford, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters after a 3½ year battle with MDS and Vexas.

He was born Aug. 21, 1943, in Minot, to Lynn and Vivian (LaCrosse) Helming. He was raised on the family farm east of Lansford and graduated from Lansford High School in 1962. After high school Bob enrolled at NDSCS in Wahpeton into the automotive program. While at NDSCS, Bob developed a passion for welding. Unfortunately, a vision issue stopped him from continuing his higher education. Bob spoke often about his time in college. He especially enjoyed the trips to and from Lansford and Wahpeton with his college buddies. Following college Bob worked on the family farm and at Johnston Chevrolet, Lansford, as a mechanic and also drove a bulk fuel truck. Bob was no stranger to hard work often working three jobs to make ends meet.

Bob married the love of his life Diana Spelhaug on June 28, 1964 in their hometown of Lansford. They made their home in Lansford where Bob continued to work and help on the farm. In 1974, Bob and his father, Lynn, with the help of numerous friends, built the home where Bob and Diana would raise their three daughters. In 1981, he started farming with his brother Fred, when their father Lynn retired from farming. Bob and Diana farmed for many years. During this time Bob also worked as a Heavy Duty Mechanic at the Minot Air Force Base for 15 years. He was an all-around handyman “Jack of all trades” and could fix anything. Bob especially enjoyed restoring basically anything with an engine. His favorite restoration project was his Black 1964 Chevy Impala. It was the first “New” car he and Diana ever purchased and he took great pride in bringing her back to life. If and when Bob found any spare time it was surely spent in his and Diana’s yard trimming and maintaining trees, mowing, and gardening. They had one of the most immaculate yards in all of Bottineau county.

In 2000, Bob and Diana began spending winters in Arizona. This allowed him to spend some great quality time with his grandkids who live in Arizona. Making lefse, eating Katie’s homemade treats and playing cards were definitely highlights. Bob also managed to take up golfing while in Arizona. Bob enjoyed playing golf almost as much as he enjoyed watching it on TV. Unfortunately, Bob and Diana’s time in Arizona came to an end when Bob started dealing with major health issues the past three years. Bob had many bad days over this period of time. Good days were spent cruising around the farm in the golf cart his late daughter Teresa gave him and Diana. Bob was able to take one last ride in the combine this past harvest, a moment that would make any farmer’s heart full. He spent many hours putting together puzzles, and observing the wildlife that would come to visit him at the living room windows. We suspect the deer and squirrels are wondering where Bob has gone. In the evenings He and Diana would gather around the TV or Ipad to watch their grandchildren play football, basketball, and volleyball. Saying he was devoted to his grandchildren would be an understatement. On his dying day a ball game was playing in the background.

Robert was a member of Trinity United Parish, Lansford, served on the church council, was a member of the Lansford Threshermen, the Dakota Cruisers Car Club, served as the Men’s Bowling League secretary, served on the Lansford Country Club board, Lansford Township board, and served as president of the Lansford Apartment Buildings. Robert was a family man first and foremost but he always had time for his community. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. He will be especially missed by his devoted and loving wife Diana. She spent every day caring for him, never leaving his side until his last breath.

Family: wife of 59 years, Diana Helming, Lansford; daughters, Kristi (Michael) Debevec, Chandler, Ariz., and Lora (Clarke) Stevens, Glenburn; son-in-law, Greg Morlock, Lansford; grandchildren, Lukus and Katlyn Debevec; Blaine, Valerie and Ava Stevens; Ryan, Riley and Reid Morlock; brothers, Rod Helming and Fred (Kathy) Helming, all of Fargo; brothers-in-law, John (Gayle) Dewald, San Antonio, Texas, and Jim McKeating, Pittsburgh, Pa., Kenneth (Patty) Spelhaug, Lansford; and sister-in-law, Betty (Spelhaug) Leitzke, Rapid City, S.D.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Robert was preceded in death by: his parents, Lynn and Vivian Helming; daughter, Teresa Morlock; sister, Anne Dewald; father- and mother-in-law, Ray and Luella Spelhaug; sister-in-law, Audrey Spelhaug McKeating; and brother-in-law, Larry Leitzke.

Funeral: 11 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Trinity United Parish, Lansford.

Burial: Lansford Cemetery, Lansford, at a later date.

Sharing of Memories Service: 7 p.m., Friday, March 8, 2024, at the church.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, at the church. Friends may also sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com.

Memorials: Preferred to the donor’s choice.

(Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 4, 2024.