Robert J. Helgert

Robert J. (“Tiny”) Helgert, 65, of Amherst, Wisconsin, passed away on February 22, 2014 in West Allis, Wisconsin.

He was born in Milwaukee on Sept. 14, 1948, the son of Edward and Elsie (nee Olsen) Helgert Sr.

Bob grew up in West Milwaukee and went to school at St. Florian’s Elementary and West Milwaukee High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in 1973. His first teaching job was on the island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Bob was a brilliant teacher who taught the primary grades for 31 years at McKinley Elementary School in Stevens Point, WI. Bob’s mother, also a teacher, was his inspiration to become an educator. They often worked together telling stories with social lessons, through puppetry, at children’s events in the Milwaukee area. His teaching and mentoring resulted in outstanding achievements by his students as they have become productive members of their own communities. His students will fondly remember his use of humor and compassion, as well as the “salted peanuts” awarded to them for their successes in his classroom.

Bob was the chair of the Teachers’ Rights and Responsibilities Committee for the Stevens Point Area Educators’ Association for over 25 years. He led Wisconsin Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESA) initiatives as the District Advisor for Indigenous Americans representing the Stevens Point Area School District and was an advocate for the Hmong community. He headed the Families and Schools Together (FAST) program that coordinated efforts with Social Services to help parents of school age children in need of support. He led the BABES program which taught children lessons, using puppets, about the problems of drug and alcohol abuse.

With his natural white beard and hearty laugh, Bob became “Santa Claus” for various schools and organizations in the community for many years during the Christmas season. He actually wore out several Santa suits! He participated in the Community School Funding Committee, advocating for the education of children. After his retirement, Bob was the Co-Vice President of the Stevens Point Area Retired Teachers’ Association from 2010 until his death.

Bob enjoyed motorcycle riding until his health no longer permitted it. He was involved in many local and national rallies and the BMW motorcycle he won at one of those rallies was so prized that it spent the winter months in his living room.

Bob was one of the founding members of the Substation Trivia team and continued his involvement as long as he was able. For several years, he also co-wrote a trivia column for the Green Sheet in the Milwaukee Journal.

Bob is survived by his brothers, Edward (Sue) Helgert and Mark (Gwenda) Helgert; nephews, Erik (Laura), David (Samantha) and Matthew; great-nephews Gage, Jackson and Zackery and great-niece Alexis. Bob also leaves behind his loyal feline friend and confidante, Kiki. He is preceded in death by both parents.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to all of the friends and colleagues who have been so wonderfully supportive of Bob during this long and painful journey.

Memorials would be appreciated by your local Humane Society/Animal Shelter or Sparta Scholarship Fund, c/o: Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, 1501 Clark Street, P.O. Box 968, Stevens Point, WI, 54481.

Memorial services will be held at a later date, so collect all of those “Mr. Helgert” and “Tiny stories” to share at that time.