Obituary of Robert Christian Helpap

Robert Christian Helpap of Saginaw, Michigan

Devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle peacefully went home to his Lord after a long illness on Sunday, September 18, 2022 with his beloved wife Linda by his side.  Bob was 73 years old. 

He was born to the late Clarence and Gladys (Gorde) Helpap in Saginaw on July 12, 1949. Bob had over 30 year career with Saginaw Steering Gear. He proudly served our country overseas in the Vietnam War. As part of the Army 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry, Bob was a decorated wounded war hero. He has been honored with two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter National Defense Service Medal, and many more. Bob married the love of his life, Linda Lee Voorheis on October 10, 1971 in Saginaw, Michigan. Together they raised three wonderful sons.  He was a gracious and spontaneous Dad. The boys loved jumping in the van and going to Tawas, the beach, fishing, or just exploring. He didn’t like fishing… he LOVED to fish!!  Bob felt most at peace when spending hours upon hours fishing with his youngest son Justin, out in the Saginaw Bay. He enjoyed music, GM vehicles, and feeding anyone that entered their home. He was a generous, fun-loving, “give you the shirt off his back” kind of guy.

Surviving are his wife of over 50 years, Linda (Voorheis) Helpap; son, MSU graduate and daughter-in-law, Bradley (Erin) Helpap; son, and fellow music lover, Nicholas Helpap; son, and fishing “wingman,” Justin Helpap; one grandson, Gustav (Tavi) Helpap; two sisters, Diane (Jim) Aspin, and Pamela Wise (Greg Zapien).  Additionally, Bob had a dear relationship with Linda’s siblings, Don (Peggy Hayden) Voorheis; Marie (Tom) Listvan; Nancy (Patrick) Samolewski; Richard Voorheis; and Sandra (James Meyers) Trisch; his special godson, Mark Pogoreski. Bob shared a special bond with his nephew, Air Force Captain, Ryan P. (Nicole) Samolewski; and he was a cherished uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews. 

Bob was predeceased in death by his parents, Clarence and Gladys (Gorde) Helpap; treasured mother-in-law, Gloria Jean (Morse) Lefler; fathers-in-law, Paul Lefler and Ernest Voorheis.

SERVICE: Honoring Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service will take place at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 23, 2022, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 Court St, Saginaw, Michigan, with Pastor William Hessler officiating. Military honors under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #22 will begin the service at 1:00 p.m. A private inurnment will take place on a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan.

VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Friday from 12:00 pm until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Memorial Contributions to Freeland High School Bass Fishing. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com