David Michael Helsel, 65, of Dexter, Kansas, passed away Wednesday evening, February 4, 2015 at Galichia Heart Hospital in Wichita.

Born January 23, 1950 in Densmore, Kansas, he was the son of Ralph Marvin and Rosemary (Siddens) Helsel. Since Dave's father was a minister, the family made several moves. Dave began his education and completed through grade 3 at Storm Center, District 40 in Ottawa Country. Grade 4 was a LaMar and grades 5-9 were at Manhattan. Grades 10-12 culminated with graduation from Caldwell High School in 1968. He graduated from Central College in McPherson in 1970. A business education degree was obtained from Kansas State University in 1972. Later, he attended Wichita State University and from there received his Master's of Education in Counseling and School Psychology in 1986.

Dave's first employment after K-State was as the business teacher at Dexter High School. He taught in that capacity for four years. He worked for short periods of time with American Family Insurance and at Dexter Lumber and Hardware. In 1981, Dave began work in Sedgwick County at the juvenile detention center. He became a probation officer there before moving to Cowley County in 1984. In Cowley County, Dave had several responsibilities in the court system, but eventually became the Director of Community Corrections, a position he held until May, 2000. Dave worked at Southwestern College as their Director of Safety and Security and was presently acting on a consulting basis.

Dave was united in marriage to Marlene Foster on June 23, 1973 in Mitchell, South Dakota. The couple made their home in Dexter, Kansas.

Mr. Helsel was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Winfield. He enjoyed his family and life in general. His special interests were fireworks, model toy care, antiques, McCoy pottery and cookie jars, Thunderbirds and Hustler mowers.

His family includes:
His wife: Marlene Helsel of Dexter;
His son: Greg Helsel and wife, Monica of Madison, KS;
His daughter: Heather Lowrie and husband, Todd of Wichita, KS;
His brother: Richard Helsel and wife, Sue of Dexter, KS;
His sisters: Joyce Lowe and husband, Dick of Caldwell, KS; Debbie Simmons and husband, Mike of Bel Aire, KS;
His grandchildren: Grayson Helsel and Gabriella Lowrie;
Brother-in-law: Arlen Foster and wife, Cindy of Fulton, SD;
Sisters-in-law: Eulyla Foster of Fulton, SD; Sharon Foster of Spring Arbor, MI;
Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Rosemary Helsel and parents-in-law, Gordon and Gertrude Foster.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Church of the Nazarene. Interment will follow at the Dexter Cemetery. A fireworks show in Dave's honor will follow the interment at the graveside. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday evening from 4 to 8. The family will greet friends during this time.

A Memorial has been established in David's name for the First Church of the Nazarene. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.