Robert R. Helgemo

Robert R. “Bob” Helgemo, 84, of Chippewa Falls, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024 under the care of Heartland Hospice. 

He was born March 31, 1940, in West Allis, to John and Zelda (Rogers) Helgemo. Bob grew up in the Milwaukee area. He attended college at UW-Whitewater for Business Administration. While studying he met the love of his life, Fran Wojtowicz. 

The couple were married June 8, 1963, in Milwaukee, and went on to enjoy 60 wonderful years together. After completing school, Bob and Fran’s family grew, and moved across the state several times before settling in Chippewa Falls. Throughout his life Bob nurtured his passion as a teacher. He taught business education and administration at a variety of schools. He also spent many years running small business incubator centers during his tenure at technical colleges to help students set up their own small businesses.

Bob loved to spend time outdoors with his family, who will always remember their “epic camping tour” to Tybee Island, the four-hour “shortcut hike” at Clear Lake State Park and all the crazy stories and creatures he would make up like the legendary Irvine Park zoo “vulture chickens” and “Cave of Evil” as well as “lake chicken” and “killer swallows.” Bob enjoyed his time bow hunting, fishing, or tending to his vegetable garden. He was active in the Lake Association for Lake Wissota  and also with Scouting. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Fran; children, Dirk, Mandy and Rick; grandchildren, Alex, Freya, Brianna, Mikayla, Courtney, Kylie, and Danica; great-grandchildren, Claire and Finley; and brother, Harvey. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Zelda Helgemo; brother, Wilbert “Bill” Helgemo; and sister, Ruth Anne. 

A celebration of life will be held at noon on Friday, June 7, at Zion United Methodist Church, 1102 Superior St, Chippewa Falls, with a visitation beginning one hour prior.