Janice Kay Helstad (Jan) entered eternal rest on November 22, 2024. She was met by her Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, and her loving husband, Arlan Helstad.
Jan was born in Watertown, South Dakota to loving parents Raymond and Marguerite Yocom. It
was a large, (10 siblings) close-knit family. Jan was raised on an old Air Force Base which
provided much exploration and adventure.
Through good times and hard times, the Yocom home was always filled with love, joy, and
respect. Sisters could never be closer and brothers provided that special “brotherly love”.
Jan was a “Daddy’s Girl” and learned much from him. She could fix about anything and had an
incredible eye for detail and organization. From her mother, she learned to sew and cook. And
being one of the older girls, manage a household.
She loved the outdoors and hunted and fished with her family. Throughout her time growing up
in South Dakota, she and her siblings learned the value of perseverance, resourcefulness, and
hard work.
The Salvation Army in Watertown became an integral part of her life. They provided an outlet of
many activities and Bible Stories. At the young age of 8 years old, she accepted Jesus Christ as
her Lord and Savior. It was a decision which would shape her life.
While attending high school and mending from a teenage crush heartbreak, she had a very
specific dream. She saw a young man whom she would marry, right down to what he was
wearing. My, how the Lord works in mysterious ways!
After graduation, she found herself eventually employed by Dairyland Insurance (later Viking
Insurance), in Madison, WI.
It was while attending a dance at Turner Hall at U.W. Madison, she met her “dream man”. He
was wearing exactly what she had seen in her vision during her teenage heartbreak.
Arlan Helstad sauntered across the dance floor, reached out his hand, and asked her to dance.
From that moment on, they were inseparable.
They were married on July 4 th , 1959, and began life together. Arlan was attending U.W.
Madison, and they lived on a shoestring. But Jan knew how to stretch a dollar and worked
tirelessly for her husband. As hard as this time was, there were many wonderful times as well.
They took time to hunt, camp, and attend dances (polka and waltzes), as well as spend time
with family. Arlan would play the guitar, and they would blend their voices in beautiful harmony
at family functions. Little did they know how God would use this talent.
As time moved forward, Jan retired from Viking Insurance after 20 years and Arlan followed
soon after.
During this time, God led them to 120 acres in Northfield, WI. “Sanctified property” is what they
called it. This allowed them to leave the hustle and bustle of Madison and return to the simpler
pleasures of life.
They started with a cabin, then a home. The simple life turned into a Godly plan when Arlan was
miraculously saved and he and Jan dedicated their lives to serving the Lord.
Bible studies began and that would eventually lead to Nursing Home Ministries. Arlan would
preach and Jan would join in song.
In 1992, Arlan was called to Pastor the Living Word Church. Jan, with her attention to detail and
organizational skills, became a Pastor’s wife. She attended to every function of the Church.
Jan found a special calling in re-furbishing old dolls and putting together jewelry for the children
in Bogata, Columbia. That mission was Children’s Vision. She continued this ministry to the very
end.
Jan was an incredibly giving soul with an even bigger heart. She loved her Lord and was
selfless, wise and all-giving in that respect. And yes, she could be quite stubborn and direct. But
as she always said, “I earned that right”.
She loved children and mentored many people. She never ceased to tell others about Jesus.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their
labor” and Matthew 19:6 says, “Therefore what god has joined together, let no man separate”.
Arlan and Jan were inseparable on Earth and now in Heaven.
Jan is survived by her siblings, Albert Leroy Yocom, Laverne James Yocom (Peggy), Marlene
(Yocom) Reeve, DeAnna (Yocom) Lund (Dennis), Elaine (Yocom) Hanson (Gary), Joanne
Yocom (Bill Jones), and Robert A. Yocom (Cheryl).
She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Raymond R. Yocom, Jerald F. Yocom, and
Kenneth L. Yocom.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, spiritual daughters Melanie Simon and
Peggy Olevson, as well as many cherished friends.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 6, at the Osseo Community Church.
Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. After the service, all are
invited to a luncheon at the church. A graveside service will be held at the French Creek
Cemetery in Ettrick at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, cards, or money, consider a donation to: Children’s Vision International (1002
Grove Street, Bangor, WI 54614).