John Robert Helland

John Robert Helland, age 78, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin, February 1, 1948, son of the late Albert and Lucie (Nee:Chiavanne) Helland Jr.

John attended St. Edward Grade School and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1966.” He went on to earn a Business Degree from U.W. Milwaukee. On May 10, 1986, he was united in marriage to Lynn Slesarenko Laehr and became an instant father to Sarah, Carrie and Freddy. Thru the years John was employed by Webster Electric, Jacobsen Textron, Massey-Ferguson, Allen Bradley, Eaton and had retired from Rudd - Cree Lighting.

In his pastime John enjoyed going to concerts with Freddy, Summerfest, the State Fair, Beer Gardens, Festivals, Bucks games and traveling to Mexico. John believed everything could be fixed with duct tape and that Oreos were a valuable commodity to be hidden around the house so the kids couldn't find them. He was a proud member of the “Piss and Moan Club” and had the t-shirt to prove it. John will be remembered for being stubborn but also for his kindness and generosity. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his daughters, Sarah (Billy) Aldridge Jr., Carolyn (Dave Harris) Laehr; grandchildren, Chloé (Dyllion) Hancheck, James Aldridge, Matthew Aldridge; great grandchildren, Lincoln and Maverick Hanchek; siblings, Paul (Janice) Helland, Thérèse (Greg) Spring, Michèle Bennett; in laws, Gary (Alice) Slesarenko; several nieces and nephews; his significant other, Mary Karpowicz and family, Catherine and Matthew and grandson, Nolan; other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his son, Fredrick Laehr and brothers-in-law, Richard Bennett and Jay Slesarenko.

A Memorial service will be held at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St. Saturday, August 1, 2026, 10:30 am. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 9:30 – 10:30 am.

Memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have been suggested.

The family wishes to thank doctors and staff at Aurora Mt Pleasant Hospital and Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center for their love and compassionate care.