Robert Foster Heliker

Robert (Bob) F. Heliker, age 89, departed this earthly life on Monday, August 3, 2026 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha surrounded by his family, who now rejoice that he has been united with his Creator and Savior in heaven through his faith in Christ. Visitation will be held at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn, NE on Thursday, August 6 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with the family present. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church in Elkhorn, NE on Friday, August 7 at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Bob was the eldest son born to Noel and Esther (Clem) Heliker in Sioux City, Iowa on February 12, 1937. He won a Regents Scholarship and following graduation attended Wesleyan College and finished his degree at the University of South Dakota at Vermillion in Applied Science and Engineering. Bob married the love of his life, Janet Johnson, on August 22, 1959. He began his career at 3M in the Minnesota plant in 1960 where he worked in the Pro-Fab Laboratory leveraging his creativity and intelligence inventing new products. In 1972, he transferred to the Ames, Iowa 3M plant where he followed a product into production. During this time, he registered his Brushlon invention with the U.S. Patent Office. He was a member of the management team that piloted the opening of the Valley, Nebraska 3M plant in January 1980. In 1998, Bob retired from his career at 3M after 38 years of service. Bob was endlessly creative and a lifelong learner, a faithful friend, an avid reader, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a man of faith in Christ who was active in the church all of his life. Researching family genealogy was a passion for many years. He enjoyed working on cars from his youth and in the late 80’s he purchased his red 1978 MG Roadster and “go fast” cap! He and Janet retired to their beautiful lakeside home at Riverside Lakes and loved to host gatherings of family and friends often. Those who will miss him include: Leslie (Bob) Deo and their children Zach (Alyssa), Lizzie, Matthew (Erin) Deo; Rod (Patti) Heliker and their children Sam, Mitch (Sarah) Heliker and Luke and Olivia Lehn; Ilene (Mark) Hawkins and their children Levi, Noah (Amanda), Matthew Hawkins; Cara (David) Thompson and their children Allie ( Dustin) Moon, Jenny (Adam) Fisher and Chris (Lilly) Thompson; Jennifer (Bob) Olsinski and their children Sophie, Evelyn, Charlie, Teddy and Isaiah Olsinski. He will also be missed by his great grandchildren: Isabelle, Ivy and Isla Deo, Caleb, Lucy and Esmae Hawkins, Ellie Hawkins, Ellis Moon and a granddaughter due in late August, Charlotte, Benjamin and Eleanor Heliker. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church Trustee Fund (20227 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, NE 68022) https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YRYZ/campaign/C-11SNG or to Steadfast Bible Fellowship Church of Omaha Bob Heliker Memorial Building Fund (2440 S. 141st Circle, Omaha, NE 68144). https://steadfastomaha.churchcenter.com/giving/to/bob-heliker. Please designate your gift in your check memo.

Robert Foster Heliker

February 12, 1937 - August 3, 2026