Republic – L. Elaine Heliste, age 95, of Republic, passed away at 1:42PM on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at her home surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and Pastor Kevin Kaiser.

Elaine was born on August 5, 1922 in Republic a daughter of Jalmer and Fannie (Juusola) Hendrickson. She was a graduate of the Republic High School, Class of 1941. She had worked at the Park City Store. Elaine married Norman Heliste October 29, 1949 and together they raised eight children. She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic.

Elaine loved sports, whether her kids or grandkids were playing. She faithfully watched Little League baseball, and loved basketball. She also was a loyal Detroit Tigers fan. She didn't like having to stay up until 1:00 am watching them! She was a queen of the stat sheets!

Oh, how Elaine loved to do laundry, especially hanging clothes outside, and she could get out any stain!

Daily activities that Elaine looked forward to were the nightly "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune" competitions among the kids and grandkids. If some were "absent" she'd ask why. She also liked doing word searches and the Jumble.

Family was everything to Elaine. She shared a lovely Christmas day with us and then was ready for her rest.

Survivors include her sons: Wayne (Jane) Heliste and Keith (Beth) Heliste both of Republic, daughters: Kathy (John) Stadler of Olympia, WA, Wanda Mattila, Diane Tapio, Cindy Heliste and Joanne (Mark) Antilla all of Republic, son-in-law Wayne Shepherd and sister-in-law Irja Hendrickson both of Republic, Grandchildren: April (Bill) Radcliffe, Jason (Kerry) Tapio, Jennifer Tapio, Kathryn (Mike) Skavery, Sarah (Bob) Gothblad, Teri Jo (Jim) Johns, Michael (Kelly Jo) Mattila, Lindsey (Andrew) Mattson, Taylor (Jake) Spear and Kelsey Braden, great grandchildren: Allie, Alexa and Brody Radcliffe, Eileen Tapio, Keira Senske, Helaina and Clara Skavery, Andy, Georgie, Lucas and Grace Gothblad, Finley and Daxon Johns, Hendrick Spear, Adelyn Mattson, Kiaya Braden and Ryett Gatiss, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Norman, daughter Peggy Shepherd, granddaughter Kerrie Shepherd, grandson Marcus Antilla, son-in-law David Mattila, brothers: John, Elden, Reino, Werner and Edwin Hendrickson and sisters: Sonia Koob, Thelma Mattila, Jean Olson and Vieno Bracke.

Services for Elaine Heliste will be on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic, visitation will be from 11:00am-1:00pm with services to follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Kevin Kaiser officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

The family extends their thanks to Pastor Kevin, B&Z Funeral Home, and to our sister, Cindy, for all of the loving care she gave to our Mom.

Elaine's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .