John Frederick Helstrom

John Frederick Helstrom, 79

October 21, 1943 – September 18, 2023

BUTTE - On September 18, 2023, after a long battle with cancer, John passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side.

John was born in Butte, Montana on October 2, 1943. He was the third child, and the first son, of Wilburand Ora Helstrom. John enjoyed telling everyone how he got his love for playing cards. His mom delayed going to the hospital to give birth to him because she was winning a card game, which led to John being born in an elevator.

John graduated from Butte High School in 1961. He then attended Montana School of Mines, where he told his family he majored in handball. In 1964, he joined The National Guard. John's bunkmate in The Guard introduced him to his sister, Lucy, and they were married December 9, 1967. Together they had two children, Steve and Laura.

John was always a hard worker and dedicated employee. He worked for Currie Tire and helped them establish their store on Park Street. In 1985, he and his sister Joan opened Apache Tire, which he owned and operated for many years and made so many lasting friendships. He retired from Whalen Tire, but still delivered tires beyond his retirement. His customers always spoke so highly of him, feeling assured John would never try to sell them something they didn't need. He was awarded a MHP stuffed teddy bear for all the years of honesty and hard work keeping their vehicles on the road.

Through the years, John enjoyed camping and fishing with his family, remodeling his home, NASCAR racing on line, maintaining a perfect yard, and gardening. He was very talented with his scroll saw and spent many hours creating detailed scroll saw projects and loved teaching his grandson, Tucker. One of John's favorite past times was shooting the breeze with his neighbors Jim, Bill and Lynda. Who have all been so helpful through his illness.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Ora Helstrom; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Harold and Eunice Hansen; sister-in-law, Judy Hansen; and grandmother-in-law, Lulu Taylor.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lucy Helstrom; his children: Steve Helstrom (Anne-Lise), Laura Tresidder (Scott); sisters: Joan Ray and Anne Olson (Paul); brothers-in-law: Mark Hansen (Holly), Dave Hansen (Ruthanne); grandchildren: Ashlee Helstrom (Cassidy), Jeremy Helstrom, Hayden Helstrom, Taylor Loyola (Braden), Julia Vercella (Kadrik), and Tucker Tresidder; great-grandaughters: Everlee and Hailee Reel.

A celebration of John's life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gail's Small Dog Rescue, 2112 Gaylord, Butte, MT or the American Cancer Society.

Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or share a memory of John.