Robert J. Helfrich

Robert Jeremiah "Jerry" Helfrich, age 70 of Cannon Falls, died at his home on Wednesday morning, December 12, 2012. Bob was born on September 16, 1942 in West St. Paul, the son of Joseph J. and Pearl M. (Ackland) Helfrich. He married Ruby Hill and they later divorced. He married Debbie Ramirez on June 11, 1983 in Lake City. Bob worked as a truck driver at Medical Safety Systems in Cannon Falls until retiring in 2001. Bob was a member of First Baptist Church in Cannon Falls. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and going up north. He has been active in bowling league for many years, and has been captain of 2 leagues in Zumbrota. He loved video games, going to the MN State Fair, Dudley's Pizza, crocheting and latch hooking, and coffee dates with his sister and brother-in-law. He will be remembered most for his love of family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Barbie (Roger) Robitaille of St. Paul, Robert Helfrich of Cottage Grove, Mike (Bailey) Ramirez and Becky (Cody) Lopez, all of Cannon Falls; 8 grandchildren, Allen and Tiffany Robitaille, Taylor Showers, Chloe, Leah and Sage Ramirez, Emma and Brody Lopez; sister, Rosie (Marvin) Luedke of Cannon Falls; nephews and niece, Danny Flodeen, Dudley (Donita) Flodeen, Dennis (Lisa) Flodeen, Missy (Scott) Newman, and Chris (Nicole) Flodeen and their families; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph; mother, Pearl Perry; step father, Anthony Perry; son, Paul Helfrich; grandbaby Lopez on January 16, 2008; niece, Jennifer Luedke; and aunts, Blondie Nelson and Gladys Novak. Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 17 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Cannon Falls, with Pastor Bradley Berglund officiating. Interment will follow at the Cannon River Lutheran Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be son, Mike Ramirez, grandsons, Taylor Showers and Allen Robitaille, and nephews, Dennis, D.J., Spencer, Chris and Dudley Flodeen.