Dean E. Helstad, 79, of Ettrick passed away peacefully in his chair with his family at his side on Oct. 3, 2012 after a courageous struggle with ALS. He was born Jan. 9, 1933 in Ettrick to Emil and Esther (Ofsdahl) Helstad. He was raised on the family farm and eventually made it his life's work.
Dean married Sharon Wood on Sept. 25, 1954 at the United Methodist Church in Whitehall.
Dean spent his life as a farmer which led to other agri-business pursuits. He owned and operated the Ettrick Transport Milk Hauling Company and was a partner in Pinderosa Inc., a pioneer beef operation. Other business endeavors led to being a part-owner in Falls Bowl in Chippewa Falls, John's One Stop in Ettrick, and Bob Johnson Oil Company in La Crosse.
He was a proud and active member of the Ettrick Lion's Club, receiving the Lion of the Year, Melvin Jones Award, Birch-Sturm Award for his service. His long-standing love of the Ettrick community helped to develop his spirit of philanthropy in both time and money. He was honored to receive the Citizen of the Year award and most recently, his selection as the Ettrick Days Parade Marshal from his neighbors and friends.
Dean served on various boards in his lifetime such as the Gundersen-Lutheran Development Committee and the Lawyer Regulation Board of Wisconsin. He diligently served on the board of directors for United Bank and Grandview Care Center until his death.
He was a faithful member of the French Creek Lutheran Church his whole life, actively involved in many areas.
Dean truly lived by the "Farmer's Creed" which in part says, "I believe that by my toil I am giving more to the world than I am taking from it; an honor that does not come to all men." He worked hard and played hard.
Dean is survived by his loving wife Sharon; three children: Anne Hendrickson of Holmen, Dawn (Jay) Madonna of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Paul (Connie) Helstad of Black River Falls; four grandchildren: Keith Hendrickson, Eric, Nathan, and Lauren Helstad; two brothers: Ronald (Audrey) Helstad of La Crosse, David (Sharon) Helstad of Milwaukee; and numerous family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dorance Helstad; a sister, Leatrice Mc Leod.
The visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 5 from 4-8 at the French Creek Lutheran Church. The funeral service will be a Christian burial at 11 a.m. Saturday with visitation from 10-11 also at the church. Jack Funeral Home in Blair is handling the arrangements. The family would prefer memorials which may be directed to: French Creek Lutheran Church, Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center, or Grandview Care Center.