Dr. Carleton T. Helseth

Dr. Carleton T. Helseth, age 87, of Sioux City, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at Embassy Healthcare in Sergeant Bluff. Visitation will be from 5 PM to 8 PM, on Friday, January 16, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux City, with a prayer service at 7 PM. The family respectfully invites everyone to participate in a time of sharing during the prayer service. Funeral services will be at 11 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2015, Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux City. The Revered R. Paul Johnston will officiate. The vocalist will be Jim Sorvaag and the organist will be Amy Linder. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Carleton Thor Helseth, son of Oscar and Mabel (Carlson) Helseth, was born December 9, 1927, at Methodist Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa. He grew up in Sioux City and graduated from Central High School in 1946. Carl then served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1946 to 1948 and attained the rank of Pharmacists Mate Third Class. He then attended the University of Iowa where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Doctor of Medicine. From 1954 to 1966, Dr. Helseth practiced anesthesiology and had a General Practice in Des Moines. He was an active staff member at Lutheran and Methodist Hospitals where he served as Anesthesiology Department Chairman. In 1966, he moved to Sioux City where he was Chairman of the Anesthesiology Department at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center for several years. Carl continued to practice as a physician at St. Luke's and served as a member and chairman of numerous committees within the hospital. From 1975 until his retirement in 2002, he was a Family Practitioner at Sunnybrook Medical Clinic. During his career, he was also a member of the Woodbury Medical Society, American Medical Association, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. On March 22, 1974, Carl was united in marriage with Shirley Newlin. They made their home in Sioux City and combined their families. They also adopted two daughters and hosted many foster children. Carl was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served on the Sioux City School Board during the early 1970s when the new high schools were built. He was an active member on the board of CSADV for 5 years. He also had a private pilot's license and enjoyed golf, traveling, and eating chocolate. His family and patients were the number one people in his life. Carleton is survived by his wife Shirley Helseth of Sioux City; five daughters: Linda Black and husband, Scott; Pam Fleckenstein and partner, Jose Grady; Kristin Helseth; Hannah Helseth and Alyssa Helseth; his grandchildren; Carrie Hanson, Noah Black, Taylor Black, Jay Fleckenstein, Jami Fleckenstein, Isaiah Helseth-Bryant, Tyson Thor Helseth-Bryant, Anika Helseth-Bryant, and Sebastian Thor Magana-Helseth; a great-granddaughter, Natalya Pickens; his foster-children: Sarah "Lil' Bit," Mikayla "Lil' M & M," Heather "Lil' Lady," Kelvin "Lil' Punkin," and Dalton. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Barb.