Robert Lawrence Helmer was born March 29, 1930, in Belle Fourche, SD. He grew up on a farm east of Belle Fourche and graduated from Belle Fourche High School in 1949. He entered the US Marine Corps on July 5, 1949, where he served until November of 1952. He graduated from Black Hills State College in 1956 and upon graduation he accepted a State Farm Agency in Belle Fourche where he continued in the insurance business until December of 1995.
Bob joined the SD National Guard in 1957 and retired as a Brigadier General in 1986. Throughout the years Bob has worn many hats. While in the insurance business, he also ranched east of Belle Fourche. He served on the Belle Fourche City Council and many terms as the Mayor. He has served in many capacities including the Department of Water and Natural Resources, South Dakota Aeronautics Commission, Community Grant Foundation, Black Hills Council of Local Government, Black Hills University E.Y. Berry Library Board, Black Hills Roundup Chairman, Old West Trail Foundation and a member of the Nisland American Legion for 55 years.
Bob joined Cedar Lodge #124 in Belle Fourche in 1953. He joined the Consistory 32nd Degree and NAJA Shrine in Deadwood in 1955. He served as Worshipful Master of Cedar Lodge in 1962. Bob organized the Belle Fourche Clowns in 1957. In January of 2000, Illustrious Sir John Jackson appointed Bob to the NAJA Shrine Divan and was elected Potentate on December 12, 2007, and installed on January 9, 2008.
Bob has two sons, Brett and wife, Kathy, and Chip and wife, Julie, and a granddaughter, Kelly and grandson, Jason. He married Judy Huisenga in 1999 and she has four children.
Tami, Dawn and husband,Tim, Derick and wife Melanie, and Tricia and three grandsons, Christopher Huisenga and Colin and Brock Murphy.
Click here for a list of the 2008 Divan
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