Robert H. Helfritz, age 90, of Austin, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2020 at St. Mark’s Nursing Home Hospice in Austin. Robert was born April 2, 1930 and raised in Lyle, MN. After graduation, he served in the national guard and was sent to Korea for active duty in 1951. After serving almost 2 years, he was honorably discharged and made his way to Austin. Meeting his future wife on a blind date, Robert was married to Beverly Neisen on September 26th, 1953. He worked at Edy paper before getting his career job at the US Post Office in Austin. Robert retired from the Post Office after 36 years of service. Active in retirement, he got a job at McDonalds and worked for another 14 years. Robert belonged to the American Legion Post 91 and the Pacelli Booster Club where he helped with many sporting events and fundraisers. He was a huge sports fan and attended Viking training camps for many years. In recent years, he was given the honor to go on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to visit our nations memorials. Robert was thankful for his service to our country. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church since his marriage there 66 years ago. Robert enjoyed playing cards and Yahtzee. He also enjoyed keeping up with local sports teams. Being a true Norwegian, he enjoyed Lutefisk and Lefse. Survivors include his wife of almost 67 years, Beverly; daughter, Dawn of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Mark Dripps of Rochester; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Jr. and Myung Cho of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Pam Grubbs of Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Mark Wilhelm of Oregon, WI; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren; loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday June 19th at 1:30 PM at St. Augustine Catholic Church with visitation ½ hour prior to the mass at the church. Father James Steffes will be presiding. Interment at Calvary Cemetery.
Service Information
Cemetery
Calvary Cemetery
4th Drive SW
Austin MN 55912
Public Viewing
Friday, June 19 2020
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
St. Augustine Catholic Church
405 4th Street NW
Austin MN 55912
Funeral Service
Friday, June 19 2020
1:30 PM
St. Augustine Catholic Church
405 4th Street NW
Austin MN 55912