Janet Barbara Helton
January 27, 1938 -
July 28, 2026
Janet Barbara Helton passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 28, 2026. She was born on January 27, 1938, to Clyde and Jane (Eggert) McConathy. She was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School.
On October 19, 1957, Janet was united in marriage to Lawrence J. Helton Sr. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to caring for others through a distinguished career in emergency medical services and healthcare. She began as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Paramedic at Kenosha Hospital and its satellite trauma center in Westosha before serving as a Flight Paramedic with Flight for Life. She later worked as an LPN and Office Manager for Dr. William Jeranek. Passionate about training the next generation of emergency medical responders, she served as the Lead EMT Instructor at Gateway Technical College for about 15 years, and was a devoted volunteer with the American Heart Association.
In 1992, she fulfilled her vision by founding LJH Ambulance, which she proudly owned and operated for 30 years. Her unwavering commitment to emergency medical services left a lasting impact on countless colleagues, students, and members of the community.
Outside of her career, she cherished traveling and riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle with her husband. She had a lifelong love for dogs, especially her beloved Schipperke and German Shepherds, whom she trained and showed with great pride. Her dogs were truly her greatest passion. She also enjoyed sewing, finding both creativity and relaxation in the craft.
She is survived by her sons, Terry (Debbie) Helton of Kenosha, WI and Gerald Helton of Arkansas; her granddaughter, Kristina Helton of Washington State; her great grandchildren, Brian and William Pace of Washington State; her granddaughter-in-law, April Helton of Kenosha, WI; close family friend, Gail Ford of Racine, WI; and her beloved German Shepherd, Calle.
In addition to her parents and husband, Janet was preceded in death by her son, Lawrence Helton, Jr.; her in-laws, Jasper and Irene Helton; her grandchildren, Jonathan and Lawrence Helton III; and many beloved pets.
Memorial remembrances may be made to a animal shelter of your choice.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Harvest Home Senior Living and Hospice Alliance for all their compassionate care and support given in Janet’s time of need.
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Posted by:
Laura OrdonezPosted on:
August 21, 2026My condolences to the Helton family, especially Terry and Debbie. I met Janet many years ago; she always had a smile on her face and was incredibly compassionate. I enjoyed our meetings and conversations.
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Barry and Sue SzymanskiPosted on:
August 17, 2026We extend our condolences to Janet’s family, and many friends. We have known Janet for well over 20 years. She was always a giving person - friend and helpmate to all. She is now in the arms of her Lord, and may she rest in peace with God.
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Timothy PoulsenPosted on:
August 10, 2026I remember her well. We shared many good times and unfortunately as many bad times both doing our best for those in Kenosha County. So excuse me if I just wish to remember the awesome times when we worked together to make a difference in someone's life. That is what I want to remember her for and hope many of you also.
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Mary ConwellPosted on:
August 9, 2026I started working with Jan in 1981 when I was a brand new Technologist. We also worked together at Westosha Trauma Center. She was a kind and fun person to work with. A dedicated and excellent health care professional. She was a devoted wife , mother, and grandmother. I have so many fond memories which I will always cherish.
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Carl GrasserPosted on:
July 31, 2026Jan was one of my instructors in 1987.
Sorry to hear she she has passed away.
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Richard "BO" BosankoPosted on:
July 30, 2026To Jan's Family: On behalf of the Fire and EMS FAMILY in Kenosha County, our sincere loss to all of you on the loss of your beloved Jan. We wish you many fond memories of her and the good times that you all shared together as a family. Jan was truly a "Sister" to all of us, we loved her as such, and she GAVE IT RIGHT BACK! She truly was a LEGEND in the EMS Community, taught MANY of us long before emergency care was labelled "EMS"!!! God Bless Our Fallen Sister! Rich "Bo" Bosanko-Battalion Chief-Kenosha Fire Dept.-Retired
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KatiePosted on:
July 30, 2026I had the pleasure of doing Jan's hair at Harvest Home. I truly enjoyed the time I got to spend with her as she was always so sweet, thoughtful, and kind. My prayers are with all her family & friends.
