Earl Helseth Obituary

Earl Selvin Helseth was born on February 24, 1930 in Westby, a small town in northeast Montana, to Selma and Edwin Helseth. He started playing the Saxophone when he was 5 years old and his father had to build a stand so he could hold the Sax. As a youngster growing up, he worked for many of the local farmers for just a few dollars a day but thought he was rich. He also played with local bands during his high school days. Earl graduated high school in a class of 20 and he was always amazed that the 2 of the 20 ended up residing here in Colorado Springs. Earl joined the Air Force in 1949 and spent 30 years enjoying all his assignments and tours, going all over the world. He always felt blessed with his Military service; he received many citations and accommodations including the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Accommodation Medal with five oak leaf clusters and the Air force Achievement Medal. On August 31, 1979 he retired with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant which is achieved by only 1% of the total enlisted corp. He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, Bernice Henderson, Shirley Moore and Sheila Moss. He is survived by his dear wife, Cita, two sisters, DeLoris Bourassa and Janice Saulmon, and many nieces and nephews. Anyone wishing to make a contribution honoring Earl, please make them to the American Heart Association. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 9:00AM at Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, with a funeral service to follow at 10:00AM. A Graveside service will be held at 2:30PM, Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Ft Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Staging Area "B".