Fred Helpenstell M.D.

Fred H. Helpenstell, M.D.
December 15, 1930 - July 17, 2013
Fred H. Helpenstell, M.D., 82, of Nampa, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at his home with his family by his side. Fred was born December 15, 1930 at Rock Island, IL, the eldest of two sons of Fred M. and Charlotte (Huesing) Helpenstell. After graduating high school in that city he enrolled in Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA, where he received his B.A. in 1952. He attended medical school at the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine, Chicago, IL and received his M.D. in 1956. After internship he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He began his post graduate training in orthopaedic surgery in 1959 in Chicago and in Milwaukee, WI. On completion of that work he moved to Nampa where he established his practice in 1964 later expanded to the Nampa Orthopaedic Clinic. Fred was a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons as well as several other orthopaedic and general medical organizations. He practiced orthopaedics for 31 years at Mercy Hospital, Nampa and concurrently held active or consulting staff privileges at Samaritan Community Hospital and at the Idaho State School and Hospital, Nampa and Holy Rosary Hospital, Ontario, OR. He served in leadership roles at Mercy Hospital as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff on several occasions. He was also a member and past president of the Board of Directors of Mercy Hospital. Other medical service included membership and vice-chairman of the Idaho State Board of Medicine, member and chairman of the Board of Directors of Terry Reilly Health Services. He also established the Orthopaedics Overseas program in the kingdom of Nepal and served as the first volunteer and its first director.
Fred was a director of Home Federal Bank from 1992 to 2009, an experience that he treasured for the friendships developed and the stimulating work involved. He was also a director of the Home Federal Bank Foundation. Fred was a member and past president of the Boise Philharmonic Association Board of Directors and a member of the Boise Philharmonic Foundation Board of Directors. Fred was a strong supporter of Grinnell College. He served as a mentor to a number of pre-medical students. He served on the Alumni Council and in 1952 received one of two Alumni Awards from the college on the occasion of the 50th reunion of the class of 1952. The college also was where Fred and Shirley "Sus" Haegele met. They were married July 26, 1953. It was the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship blessed with four fine children.
Fred is survived by his wife "Sus" and two sons, Mark (Tisa), Tom (Teresa), and two daughters Jill (Tom)
Faciszewski, and Jeanne (Mike) Mack as well as ten grandchildren and one great grandchild, by his brother Franz of Rock Island, IL and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wayne and Donna Haegele of Hansville, WA.
At his request there will be no services but rather a celebration of life and reception will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at the Broadmore Country Club, Copper Canyon Restaurant in Nampa. Arrangements are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. An online guest book may be signed at www.nampafuneralhome.comMemorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity in Dr. Helpenstell's name.