NEW SWEDEN and BREWER – Marshall Frederick Helstrom, 88, passed away September 23, 2014 with his loving family by his side. He was born June 7, 1926 in Perham to Frederick and Stella (Holts) Helstrom.

Marshall attended Perham schools and worked on the home farm until he joined the army. He served in Germany with the 63rd and 398 infantry Divisions from 1944 to 1946. Marshall was employed at Stein Hall Starch Factory, retiring after 25 years of service. He then worked at Columbia Forest Products in Presque Isle. Marshall was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #136 of Stockholm. He loved visiting and spending time with his children and grandchildren. They were a very important part of his life. Marshall enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening, working in his yard while living in New Sweden for 47 years, playing cards, biking and traveling. He was known for helping out anyone who needed a helping hand. Cookouts and gatherings at his home with family, nieces, nephews and their families, were an important part of summer entertaining. Marshall and his loving wife Clarice of 66 years, spent winters in Florida where they enjoyed being with family and friends. Marshall and Clarice resided at the Ellen Leach Home for the past 8 years and enjoyed their new friends that they made. Marshall was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cherished each and every one. He was a loving and caring Pa and spent many hours fishing, camping, doing woodworking projects, cooking, playing games and spending time with them.

Marshall is survived by his devoted wife, Clarice (Anderson) Helstrom; three daughters; Patsy McMullin and Roger, Elaine Helstrom, Joyce Maxwell and her husband, Gil; grandchildren, Robbie McMullin, Steve McMullin and his wife, Mindy, Eric Stroheker and his wife, Vera, Danny McMullin and his wife, Thirza, Gillie Maxwell, Brent Marshall and his wife, Bethany, Dora Young and her husband, Kris; 14 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the values and pleasures of the outdoors, especially teaching them how to make a camp fire. Marshall is also survived by sisters-in-law, Thelma Anderson, Francine Anderson, Ina Noel and Irma Anderson. Marshall was predeceased by one brother, Gordon Helstrom. The family would like to thank the staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor for the kindness and care that Marshall received.

Friends are welcome to call 6 to 7pm Friday, September 26, 2014 at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main Street, Brewer where a funeral service will be held 1pm Saturday, September 27, 2014 with the Rev. Clayton Blackstone officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Brookings-Smith Reception Rooms, Brewer immediately following the service Saturday. Interment will be in the New Sweden Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Marshall in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Maine Veterans’ Home, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.