Terry Jay Helbig

Terry J. Helbig, 75, of Lake City passed away November 15, 2022 at the Lake City Care Center.

Terry was born on April 4, 1947 in St. Paul, MN to Albert J and Lucille M (Mattfeld) Helbig. He married Terry T Temte on August 9, 1970 and was the father of 2 daughters; KumRae Tamarac (Lee)  and YoonJung Willow.

Following graduation, he began a career with the Minnesota DNR, ending his career in Lake City where he had been stationed since 1970. Over his career he: Acquired over 10,000 cares of land for inclusion in the Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. Included in this total are all of the Zumbro Bottoms Unit and all but 240 acres of the Snake Creek Unit; Developed unique silvicultural practices for both upland and lowland timber types. Initiated the Wabasha County Forestry Day Program, which has been an annual event since 1977; Developed the Easy Wheeling Nature Trail, the first wheelchair accessible nature trail in the State; Developed campgrounds in the Zumbro Bottoms Unit. The west assembly area is now the highest grossing forestry campground in the state; Developed the rifle range at Kruger Recreation Area; Initiated the Wabasha 5th Grade conservation day, one of the first in the state; Initiated the Wabasha County Woodland Manager of the Year Award, the first in the state; Was a member and officer of the Minnesota Forestry Employees Association; Was a past member and officer of the Society of American Foresters; Founding member and secretary of the Wabasha County Forestry Committee; Board member of Minnesota Forestry Association; Regional Chair of the Minnesota Tree Farm Committee; Life member and past officer of the Minnesota Forestry Employees Association; In addition, he was a member of the Wabasha Soil and Water Conservation Board, and the Wabasha County Fair Board. He also spent many years as a volunteer for the Wabasha County Historical Society. He was an exhibitor in the county exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair for over 20 years.

He is survived by his wife Terry (Temte) Helbig; daughters KumRae (John) Lee and YoonJung; grandchildren Simon and Hannah Lee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Janet Molin.

Following his wishes, no public services will be held. Memorials are preferred to the Wabasha County Historical Society or any organization of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to http://www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.