Robert 'Bob' E. Slemons

Robert Bob E. Slemons, 98, of Grand Island, Nebraska passed away peacefully on December 6, 2012 at St. Francis Medical Center, where he received excellent medical care. He was born on September 21, 1914 to Frank B. and Myrtle L. Slemons in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Bob left Pawnee City and attended Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska where he met Elizabeth Ann Schouboe. They married in 1937 and in 1942 moved to Grand Island, Nebraska. Bob started working for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1941. Elizabeth passed away in 1967 and he married Wilma Henne Helleberg in 1970. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad as a freight conductor in 1975 after 34 years. He was preceded in death by parents; sisters, Murl Parks, Alice Martin and Ruth Garrison; brothers, Ralph, Wayne, Dean, Claude, June and Harry. Survived by wife, Wilma of Grand Island, sons Richard (Elizabeth) of Columbus, Ohio and children Michelle (Slemons) Ragain (daughters Ashley, Elizabeth and Katherine), Lydia (Slemons) Ohlinger (daughter Juliet) and Sarah; Greg (Diane) of Seattle, Washington and children Ashley and Ryan; Carl Helleberg (Deb) and children Adam, Laura and Parker; Jeff Helleberg (Carol) and children Ross and Jenna; Jane Thompson (Chris) (Helleberg) children Hayden and Carter. Bob coached Little League and Little Bigger League baseball. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and he was an avid golfer and wood worker. He was a member of the St. Pauls Lutheran church. He enjoyed family gatherings and spending time encouraging his children and grand children. He had an incredible sense of humor and loved a good laugh. Bob was a very respectful, considerate and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was adored, admired and loved by his family. He has left an everlasting positive mark on the lives of many he touched over the years. May he rest in peace in eternity. Cremation has taken place. Family will be greeting friends the evening of January 17, 2013 between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. at Riverside Lodge in Grand Island. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1515 South Harrison Street in Grand Island on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Apfel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements