OUR CARING STAFF

Scott Helms was born in northern Michigan in 1981, the son of Jacob and Barbara Helms. He attended Hart High School and graduated in 1999. After High School, Scott attended John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville TN, graduating in 2002. Scott then moved home to Michigan and worked for Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. In 2007 he moved to Iowa to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Business at Upper Iowa University. While at Upper Iowa, he met his future wife, Teesha Bappe from Decorah, and was married on September 5, 2015.   They have 2 daughters: Jaelyn and Landry.  In 2013, Scott was blessed with the opportunity to come to work for Mark Balik and Karen Schluter here at Schluter-Balik Funeral Home.  In 2017, Scott and Teesha purchased the business from Karen and Mark.  In March of 2022, Scott and Teesha purchased the Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah from Scott and Ann Fjelstul.  They consolidated the two businesses into what is now Helms Funeral Homes.  Scott is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf.

Kate Nielsen is from Decorah, she moved here 3 years ago from Rochester, MN. Kate was excited to join the Helms Funeral home in September of 2024. Kate has a medical background working at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for 15 years. She is married to Andrew Nielsen, they have 2 beautiful girls, Ava and Anna. Kate enjoys being outdoors, going on early morning walks, spending time with family, lake days, and being with her girls. 

Born and raised in St Paul, MN, Caryl began her career in the funeral profession in 1998.  For the past 26 years, she has served and supported families throughout Iowa and Minnesota as a Prearrangement Specialist, Aftercare Consultant and Memorial Consultant.  In 2017, Caryl married Jay Jermier, from Decorah, and they currently reside in Lanesboro, MN. In October 2023, Caryl was blessed to join the team at Helms Funeral Homes.  Licensed in IA, MN & WI, Caryl is honored to assist our families with prearranging and prefunding their funerals, grief support and designing their gravestone.  She also offers education and information through community meetings, seminars and personal consultations.  

Guiding families through this journey is one of Caryl’s greatest passions.

Drake Shelton was born in Iowa City, Iowa and raised in Decorah, Iowa. The son of Eric and Jennifer Shelton. He graduated from Decorah High School in 2019. He earned his bachelor's degree in business from Keiser University and is currently enrolled in Mortuary Science School at DMACC. Drake started his career in the golf industry where he was the assistant golf professional at Oneota Golf and Country Club. Drake had the unique opportunity to come work for Helms Funeral Homes after spending three years at the golf course. He met Ellie Loesch, of Fort Atkinson, Iowa and was married on December 31, 2024. They have two labradors, Bleu and Bogey. Drake is an avid golfer and loves to watch sports in his free time.

Dale moved from Nothern Minnesota to Decorah, Iowa in 1955. He graduated from Luther College in 1973, and then taught elementary education for 3 years in Minnesota. He moved back to Decorah in 1977. Dale worked at the John Deere store for 41 years. 

Dale was married and has 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. He is currently pursuing his private pilot's license. In his free time, he enjoys keeping busy, fixing or repairing items, and camping.

Dale is an associate at Helms Funeral Home, he will be working funeral services. 

I was born in 1957, graduated from South Winneshiek High School in Calmar in 1975, enlisted in the Army for three years, attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa, and graduated from Mid-America College of Mortuary Science in Jeffersonville IN. in 1982. I have four children Jodi (Dave) Hanson, Lori (Aaron) Maldonado, Olivia (Ben) Hennin,g and Noah (Danielle) Balik. Twelve grandchildren: Amelia, Liam, Oliver, Ethan, Helen, Lilian, Avery, Myles, Marcus, Tate, Aunika and Lucy.