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 Matthew 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.