05/01/2026
Our aphasia group is a wonderful community. And within this great community - the losses hit especially hard. We lost a longtime aphasia group member in April. After a life well lived, Jane Helland, age 74, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, at Oakwood Health Services in Altoona, Wisconsin. Jane showed us what it's like to live well with Primary Progressive Aphasia. S***k, humor, courage and grace - amidst all the challenges that come with this progressive disease. Jane was known for many things - her hard work, her love for her family, her kindness and compassion to all, her beloved dog Annabelle, her homemade crafts and beanbags that she shared graciously with many of us, and her love for horses. That love for horses ties to one of the most memorable stories ever told at Aphasia Group: Back in the day, Jane rode her horse from her country home, all the way to the drive-thru at the McDonald's on Hastings Way. That is not something you see every day!
Thank you to all who impacted her journey with PPA - the aphasia group, the UWEC students, and the community. Below is her obituary and information about her service on Saturday.
On Saturday, May 2nd, there will be a Celebration of Life at at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Pkwy Altoona:
10-11:30am visitation
11:30 -12:00 short service
12:00 -1 pm luncheon
1:30 pm burial at forest hill cemetery for those who wish to join us.
Below is her obituary, shared by her family.
Jane was born on September 20, 1951, in Eau Claire to Howard and Charlotte (Urness) Jenson. She graduated from Memorial High School in 1969 and was united in marriage to the love of her life, Dennis Helland, on January 16, 1971, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire.
In her younger years, Jane was active in 4-H and enjoyed horse showing, beginning a lifelong love for animals that stayed with her throughout her life. She began her working years at Ed Phillips & Sons before dedicating herself to raising her family and providing child care for 12 years. She later worked at Welder’s Supply and then at Wisconsin Bell, which became AT&T, where she remained until her retirement in 2007. Never one to stay idle, Jane began a second career with UHC, working for six more years before retiring again in 2014. She also enjoyed working part-time at Gordy’s.
Jane found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, including fishing, camping, sewing, crafting, and reading. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world and brought her immense pride and happiness.
She is survived by her children, Tammy Helland and Danny (Catherine) Helland, both of Eau Claire; her grandchildren, Ryan Helland of Bryant, Brandon Helland of Eau Claire, and Michaela (Carter) Wagner of Elk Mound; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Clayton Wagner. She is further survived by her sisters, Sandy (Tim) Mosel of Bruce, Vicki Jenson of Altoona, and Linda (Thomas) Helland of Bloomer; her brothers-in-law, Thomas (Linda) Helland of Bloomer and Karl Helland (Julie) of Ettrick; her sisters-in-law, Martha Heiman of Eau Claire and Gloria Knutson of Colfax; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Helland; her parents, Howard and Charlotte Jenson; her infant twin brothers, Jerry and Lee Jenson; and her in-laws, Harold and Sylvia Helland, all of Eau Claire, along with many other dear relatives.
Jane will be remembered for her kindness, her strong work ethic, and the deep love she had for her family. Her presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Cecelia Zorn for her friendship and care, always making time to check in or share a meal with Jane. They also wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Tom Sather and his Primary Progressive Aphasia group, as well as the students at UW–Eau Claire, for their compassion and support during Jane’s involvement with the program.
A special thank you is also extended to Ashley Johnson (“Sharon”), Abbie, Meghan, and Brooklyn, along with Nurse Carter at Oakwood Health Services, for their attentive and compassionate care, which brought comfort and peace to Jane and her family.
5-2-26. 10-11:30am visitation
11:30 -12:00 short service
12:00 -1 pm luncheon
1:30 pm burial at forest hill cemetery for those who wish to join us.
