Carlyle G. Helstad

Carlyle G. Helstad, 80, of Blair, passed away peacefully, Friday, February 19, 2021, at Gundersen Tri-County Hospital in Whitehall.

Carlyle was born April 9, 1940, to Carl and Gina (Gimse) Helstad in French Creek. He was baptized and confirmed at French Creek Lutheran Church. Carlyle attended grade school at Chapaultepec and Upper French Creek and graduated from Blair High School in 1958. He attended UW-River Falls after graduation. Carlyle married Janet Marie Johnson, the love of his life, in Whitehall at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, June 11, 1966.

Carlyle worked as a welder at American Motors in Kenosha before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1962. Before being discharged in 1964, Carlyle was posted at Fort Carson, CO, Fort Gordon, GA, and Fort Bragg, NC. He started his career as a police officer in 1966, for the City of Blair and served as the chief of police for 31 years.

Carlyle was a humble and loving man. He was a member of the Blair Preston Fire Department, served on the Blair City Council, and also served on the Blair Lutheran Church Council.

Carlyle is survived by his wife, Janet; two daughters: Pamela (Nathan) Anibas and Linda (Matthew) Schaller; four grandchildren: Kaili and Jacob Gardner and Maryann and Mark Anibas; a great-grandson, Camden Gardner; and his brother, Verdell.

In addition to his parents, Carlyle was preceded in death by his sisters: Mariann Stenberg and Aloydis Eckman.

Carlyle’s family takes great solace in the knowledge that he heard his Savior utter the word’s unto him, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., at Jack Funeral Home in Blair. Burial with military rites conducted by Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post #231 will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Blair. Pastor Paul Sannerud will officiate.

Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.