Robert Edward Helmintoller

September 26, 1939 - January 27, 2023

Services are private.

Robert Edward Helmintoller, age 83, of Park Ridge, IL, died peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2023, at Summit of Uptown, in Park Ridge.

Son of the late Rev. P. C. and M. Lucile, née McLearen, Helmintoller, he was born September 26, 1939, in Washington, D.C.

He is survived by his sister, Cynthia O’Donohue (William Farone); his niece, Diane O’Donohue; cousins, Cheryl (Lyle) Siemer, Lynda (Arthur) Thompson, William (Stephanie) Helmintoller, and Julia (Terry) Williams.

He taught overseas with the Department of Defense for over 40 years. He sang in the extra chorus in operas and in the Bamburg Male Chorus. Upon his retirement in 2004 and relocation to Chicago, he joined The Saints, where he indulged his love of music.

Services are private.

Those wishing to honor his memory may make a donation to their favorite charity.

Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to sign guestbook and to leave a condolence message.

Robert Edward Helmintoller, age 83, of Park Ridge, IL, died peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2023, at Summit of Uptown, in Park Ridge. Son of the late Rev. P. C. and M. Lucile, née McLearen, Helmintoller, he was born September 26, 1939, in Washington, D.C. He is survived by his sister, Cynthia O’Donohue (William Farone);Continue Reading

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Bob was such an extraordinarily kind man. A Heidelberg DoDDS friend, a great mentor, and perfect in the role of teacher. He was a gentle and empathetic guide for the hundreds of young souls that needed exactly what he knew how to give to them. I once watched him do the kindest thing I’ve ever seen a person do, and it was just another day for him as a second grade teacher.

So sad that Bob is no longer with us. I will miss his sense of humor and dismay that was mixed with compassion. There's nobody else like him. I will truly miss him.

I met Bob when he came to teach in the Elementary school at Patrick Henry Village in Heidelberg. He auditioned to sing in the Extra Chorus at the Heidelberg Opera. Bob was a respected musician and was a member at the opera until he retired and moved to Chicago. We soon became fast friends .Bob was a good musician, but with Bob it was his goodness and generosity, as well as his friendliness and wit that made him so well liked. I will miss him.

My sincere condolences to Bob’s family. It was my honor to have known and worked with Bob in Germany. I will always remember Bob as a gentleman, his commitment to his students( both of our daughters had him in 3rd grade), his wry sense of humor and his fondness of living in Germany. Rest in peace Bob.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.