Robert T. Helmen, MD

Class Year

1951

Affiliation

Alumni

Posted on: November 5, 2019

Dr. Robert T. Helmen, 96, of Wheaton and formerly of Sugar Grove, Ill., passed away October 18, 2019, at his home. He was born February 28, 1923, in South Bend, Ind., the son of the late Dr. Harry William and Norma Bell (Traylor) Helmen.

After graduating from high school, Robert attended Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. With the advent of WWII, Robert put his studies on hold to serve his country as a Lieutenant in the Field Artillery stationed in the Philippines. After his service, he returned to graduate from VMI and then entered the University Of Virginia School Of Medicine in Charlottesville, Va. While attending medical school, he married Miriam Buckles of Newport News, Va., his faithful and loving wife of 69 years. Robert continued his training as a surgical resident at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago. He was a general and thoracic surgeon in the Fox Valley area for 33 years. At the same time, he also served as Medical Director at Mooseheart Child City & School, Batavia, Ill., for 12 years. Robert served his community as an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, a member of the board of the Wayside Cross Rescue Mission, and a member of the board of the YWCA in Aurora. Robert was also a member of the Aurora Country Club. After retirement, much of his time was spent in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia on his farm, Saddleback Farm, in Monterey, Va.

Robert is survived by his wife, Miriam (Buckles) Helmen; his daughters Mary (Daniel) Kinsey, Melinda (Kenneth) Schweer and Mollie (Keith) Salette; his nine grandchildren Bryan Kinsey, David Kinsey, Jonathan Kinsey, Natalie Kinsey, Jennifer Schweer, Kenneth Schweer Jr., Keith Salette, Jr.(Alyssa), Sarah (Chris) Mandell, Charles Salette, and two great grandchildren Margaret Salette and David Salette.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Aurora, Ill.