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Sturgeon Bay Today
By the People, for the People
Sturgeon Bay Woman Turns Wartime Hardship Into Lifetime of Community Service
Helga Bobb, a Polish immigrant who survived World War II, now dedicates her time to helping others in her Wisconsin town.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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Helga Bobb was born in Poland during World War II and faced deprivation and displacement as a child. After immigrating to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin in 1952, Bobb has spent her life giving back to the community, volunteering extensively with local organizations like the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church and Lakeshore CAP. Those who know Bobb say her presence can be felt all over the town as she is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Why it matters
Bobb's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of turning personal hardship into a life of service. Her dedication to helping others in her community, despite the challenges she faced in her own childhood, is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference.
The details
Bobb was the second youngest of six siblings who survived the war in Germany. After the war, her family was displaced and immigrated to Sturgeon Bay in 1952 seeking a new beginning. Bobb recalls the deprivation her family faced, saying "It wasn't you could just eat till you were full. No, you ate to survive." These early experiences shaped Bobb's lifelong commitment to community service. Today, she is known throughout Sturgeon Bay for her volunteer work, from organizing community meals at the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church to dedicating her time to the local nonprofit Lakeshore CAP.
- Bobb was born in a German section of Poland during World War II.
- In 1952, Bobb's family immigrated to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
- Bobb has been volunteering in Sturgeon Bay for nearly 10 years.
The players
Helga Bobb
A Polish immigrant who survived World War II as a child and now dedicates her time to volunteering and helping others in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Lorna Magliaro
The secretary at Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, where Bobb volunteers organizing community meals.
Sandi Soik
The director of the local nonprofit Lakeshore CAP, where Bobb also volunteers.
What they’re saying
“Everybody knows Helga. Everybody.”
— Lorna Magliaro, Secretary at Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church (nbc26.com)
“But if Helga's on vacation, or gone for a reason, she does take time off every once in a while, not much but a little bit. People will come in and say where's Helga, she's not sick is she?”
— Sandi Soik, Director of Lakeshore CAP Door county (nbc26.com)
“I am a person who likes people so wherever people are I am.”
— Helga Bobb (nbc26.com)
The takeaway
Helga Bobb's story is a powerful example of how one person can turn personal hardship into a lifetime of service and compassion for their community. Her dedication to helping others, despite the challenges she faced in her own childhood, is an inspiration to all.
