David Dean Helland

David Dean Helland, 78, of Chesterfield, MO, passed away surrounded by his family on November 3, 2026 at Missouri Baptist Hospital after battling melanoma. David was born on January 30, 1948, in Marshalltown IA, to Earl and Neoma Helland. He grew up there and received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Northen Iowa where he met and married Jeanette Louise Robins in 1968 and they proceeded to raise three children together. David served six years in the Navy after being drafted in the Vietnam lottery. He was selected as one of twelve people annually to receive training as a laboratory specialist. He also received his master’s from American University at this time. He was honorably discharged after being stationed in San Diego, the Great Lakes, and spending four years at Roosevelt Roads Naval Hospital in Puerto Rico.

David became a lab manager at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham, IL and then CEO of Physicians Clinical Laboratories. Dave went on to become the Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Biotech Laboratories in St. Louis, MO where managed labs throughout Illinois and Missouri until he retired. He also served for many years as a director and officer at the Clinical Laboratories Management Association and was a 50-year member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

David enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. In his free time, he liked to go duck hunting with a dedicated group of friends and liked to fish. Most recently he rented a houseboat for a fishing trip in Lake of the Woods, Canada with ten other male members of the family. A trip that was always on his bucket list. David was known for his great sense of humor and a memorable laugh that was contagious to all. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Helland, Trent (Julie) Helland of Lake St. Louis, MO, Marshall (Katie) Helland, of Catawissa, MO, Lindsey (Justin) Newcomb of O’Fallon, MO, and five grandchildren. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Barney Pettingill, his brother, Raymond (Harlietta) Helland, his sister Marlys (Victor) Hoglan.

The family will be having a private service at Jefferson Barracks and a celebration of life in January. The family would like to thank everyone for their support and care, David was beloved by all who knew him.