Harlan "Bob" Helwig

Harlan “Bob” Helwig, 75 of Waubay died on Friday August 30, 2013 at his home on Blue Dog Lake near Waubay. Memorial services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday September 7, 2013 at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster. Harlan “Bob” Henry Helwig was born to John and Leocadia (Pischke) Helwig on Tuesday June 7, 1938 at Webster, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian Faith. He attended school in Webster and graduated from WHS in 1956. Immediately following graduation he enlisted into the US Navy. He was stationed in numerous places in the US. He then moved to Salt Lake City and made a living doing masonry work. After working three years in Utah, he returned to the area and attended University of North Dakota and received his teaching degree in English. He later served in the Naval Reserves for 20 plus years and during that time was called to duty during the Persian Gulf War. On December 7, 1963 he married Arlene Mahlen at St John’s Lutheran Church in Webster. The couple made their home in Wing, North Dakota where Bob taught for 4 years. They then moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin and then to Redwood Falls, Minnesota where Bob taught for the BDRSH school system. After Bob retired in 1999, the couple moved to their lake home on Blue Dog Lake near Waubay. After they moved to Waubay, Bob worked at HR One Stop and occasionally was a substitute teacher for the Waubay School system. He was a member of the American Legion and was extremely patriotic. Bob enjoyed playing cards especially poker, fishing, and masonry work. He was known for his masonry work, and constructed beautiful fireplaces for his family and friends. Bob was a jokester and loved people. He was an excellent teacher, often correcting others on their grammar. He was a play director for BDRSH and coached summer baseball. Bob was a man of many talents and loved to be busy, but his favorite pastime of all was spending time with his friends and especially his family. Bob passed away at Waubay, South Dakota on Friday, August 30, 2013 at the age of 75 years, 2 months, and 23 days. He will be forever missed by his wife Arlene of Waubay, SD, a son Rob (Danielle) Helwig of Phoenix, AZ, a daughter Dawn Helwig of Arlington, SD, four grandchildren: Danielle, Taylor, Tevin, and Avery, two sisters: Darlene Cavanaugh of Kent, WA, and Anita Williams of Zimmerman, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Leonard, Raymond, and Kenneth Helwig, and two sisters: Luella Gutormson, and Eleanor Gibson.