Robert "Bob" Emil Helling passed away from cancer on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Alton Memorial Hospital, Alton, Illinois at the age of 78.

Bob was born on September 16, 1941 in St Louis, Missouri, to Robert J. and LaVerne Helling.  He graduated from Olney High School in 1959 and served in the United States Army from 1959-62.  He married Brenda Irene Linder in 1964 and she preceded him in death in 1999.  After moving to St. Louis, Mo. he began working for Maloney Electric, Westinghouse and ABB.  Bob was known for his love of gardening, love for family and hard work ethic.

Bob is survived by his sister Diane Helling Jansen of Colorado; brother Dennis Helling of Colorado; son Robert B. Helling of Hartford, IL; son, Christopher (Robin Christine) Helling of Bunker Hill, Il,; daughter, Susan E. (Dean Hathaway) Helling of Fenton Mo; grandchildren: Savannah L. Helling, Sierra I. Hathaway, Donald A. Hathaway, Alexandria B. Helling, Logan R. Helling and great grandchild, Dominic L. Helling.     

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda I. Helling; parents, Robert J. Helling,  LaVerne Helling and Helen Helling. 

A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Haven Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Olney.  His family has scheduled a celebration of life at his home church, River of Life Family Church in Alton, IL. on January 14th from 6 pm-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to River of Life Family Church Youth.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney – January 9, 2020