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 Wilbur
and 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 below to leave a condolence or share a memory of John.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for John and his family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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James Magone says
Very sorry to hear of Johns passing, when I was a little John was my hero, he would always tell me how he used to babysit me. RIP John an thank you for all the childhood memeries growing up
Mark Johnson says
Rest in peace my friend
Melissa Schneider says
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I will miss visiting with him when I would deliver the mail. He always had the best sense of humor. He worked with my dad way back in the day when he worked at Apache Tire and my dad worked at Whalen Tire. Rest easy, John
Boyle Family says
Lucy, Laura and Steve,
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of John. He was such a great man, always had a smile. Sending you all prayers to help you through this time.
Bill and Terri Boyle and Family
Roxie Larson says
Lucy and family,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was the greatest guy. My dad (Larry Kalafatich) thought the world of “Dirty John” as he called him. Everytime I would see him I would call him Dirty John and he always smiled and said you must be one of the Kalafatich girls. I will never forget how kind he was to all of us. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. RIP John. Say hi to my Dad.
Roxie (Kalafatich) Larson
Larry & Donna Colvin says
John was a hardworking true gentleman. He was such a good guy who would help anyone and will be truly missed but never forgotten. May God bless him & his family. Our sincere condolences to his family, he was a true gem of a man!