By Roz Weis,
Respect and compassion continue to be the mission at newly-renovated Helms Funeral Home in Decorah.
Scott and Teesha Helms of Decorah, the owners of the former Schluter-Balik Funeral Homes, purchased the historic Fjelstul Funeral Home business on Water Street from Scott and Ann Fjelstul last year. The Fjelstul family owned the business for generations prior.
The Water Street funeral home location has a long history. In 1930, L.B. Willis and P.J. Ness (local undertakers) opened the funeral home in a private residence, and they were in a partnership for many years. C.F. Fjelstul acquired the business in 1936, and he changed the name to Fjelstul Funeral Home. The business became Steine Funeral Home in 1948. The name was changed to Olson Funeral Home for a time and was renamed the Olson-Fjelstul Funeral Home when Roger Fjelstul came into the business in 1959. Fjelstul and his son, Scott, took over the Fjelstul Funeral Home in the mid-1970s.
Commitment to the northeast Iowa community was foremost on their minds as the Helms Funeral Home owners started the expansive remodeling project in the downtown Decorah location. The 8-month renovation started with taking down a portion of the old funeral home and merging new construction with parts of the remaining structure.
The new building features a spacious entryway, expansive gathering space, visitation chapel, kitchen area and a massive, open concept “community space” in the building’s lower level for accommodating larger gatherings. The areas are handicap accessible.
Full article and photos in the September 21 Public Opinion.
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