2005 Assembly Joint Resolution 34
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Stanton Peter Helland.
Whereas, Stanton "Pete" Helland was born on May 19, 1925, in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, and died on April 28, 2005; and
Whereas, Mr. Helland graduated cum laude from Notre Dame University in 1950; and
Whereas, Mr. Helland served in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 to 1952, having achieved the rank of captain; and
Whereas, Mr. Helland became an established political leader in the Wisconsin Dells and in the state, having served on many boards, including the Natural Resources Board, 1969 to 1975, under Governor Warren P. Knowles, and under Governor Tommy Thompson, 1987 to 1993, as chairman of the board, 1991 to 1993, and on the Wisconsin Dells Bank Board; and
Whereas, Mr. Helland was a savvy businessman and skilled negotiator as president of the Riverview Boat Line for 33 years, and in managing the Stanton and Helland Dells properties; and
Whereas, Mr. Helland, accurately described by many newspapers at his death as a visionary, was a great conservationist, involved in several landmark initiatives, which positively impacted in perpetuity Wisconsin's environment, including such programs as the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and the Clean Water Fund, and he was honored by having the more than 2,000 acre Springvale Wildlife Area in Columbia County renamed the Peter Helland Wildlife Area; and
Whereas, Mr. Helland was a great Norwegian who had a love of hunting and fishing, ever promoting the wise use and preservation of natural resources; he was generally joined by the camaraderie of family or friends, including at least one current legislator, when taking to the field or wetlands in search of game, and he was known to take a miniature television set to his goose blind, so as not to miss a Notre Dame game; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature commend the devoted public service that Stanton Peter Helland contributed to this state, to the Wisconsin Dells community, and to Columbia County and his commitment to his family and friends, express sorrow at his death, and extend their condolences to his family and friends; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to his deeply cherished wife, Bobette; his 5 children, Elizabeth "Libby" Bruce, Kathleen Roebke, Peter Helland Jr., Patrick Helland, and Michael Helland; his brother, Hans; and his sister, Ragnild Myklebust.
