Joel M. Helgren, 37, Mason City

Joel M. Helgren, 37, of Mason City, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City due to complications of a liver transplant.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Friday, November 15, 2024 at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE Mason City with Mark Doebel officiating.

Visitation with viewing will be held Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 5pm until 7 pm at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel.

Joel was born January 21, 1987, the son of John Helgren and Kathy (Murphy) Helgren. Joel graduated from Mason City Community Schools in 2006.

Joel faced many challenges. Joel became blind and was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis within 15 months of his birth and later diabetes, from the cystic fibrosis. When Joel was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis they told his parents he would most likely never graduate from high school. Joel continued each day with the best attitude and outlook on life of anyone we have ever known. Joel was our hero. Joel doubled his predicted life expectancy. Unfortunately the medication that kept Joel alive took his life by damaging his liver and kidneys.

Joel was blessed with a phenomenal memory and love of music. Joel started his DJ career at 8 years old doing sockhops at school and shows for Relay for Life at age 9 with the help of Brian Carlson and Dalton Reneking.

At age 15 Joel started his radio career with Dad and Joel producing the shows at home on a system Grandpa Jack bought for Joel. Joel continued on the air for 22 years at KRIB volunteering his talent with the help of his friend and colleague, Joe Malone. Joel was at his best preparing his shows and on the air in the studio or doing the many DJ gigs over the years.

Joel was very patriotic and enjoyed doing shows for the veterans on Lady of the Lake each year. In 2016 Joel was nominated by Bill Jarnigan into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At the time Joel was the youngest ever inductee. Joel enjoyed his many trips to Florida and most recently to Red Rocks in Colorado to see Brian Wilson and Chicago play. Joel thrived on doing interviews on his radio show, recently interviewing Mickey Dolenz and Tommy James.

Joel met well over 50 musical legends, from Little Richard to Brian Wilson. Joel enjoyed the long conversations each day with his mom and dad. Mom and Dad were Joel’s biggest cheerleaders and looked after his daily needs with music on 24/7. Joel lived with his mom and had a very special mother/son relationship bond and took care of one another.

Joel was a huge fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and friend of Gary Dolphin. Joel enjoyed feeling the wind in his face riding with Dad on the motorcycle or in the corvette with music always playing. Joel enjoyed going to Prime N Wine with his family and friends and the many music concerts, but most of all giving joy to his listeners through his love of music and knowledge and his stories and experiences.

Joel is now sharing his passion for music and playing his tunes in Heaven for a new audience and experiencing new found vision and sight from God.

Joel always ended his shows with KEEP ON DANCING, LET ROCK AND ROLL LIVE FOREVER AND ROCK ON EVERYBODY AND PLEASE STAY SAFE!

Those thankful for having shared in Joel’s life include his parents, Kathy Helgren and John Helgren (Joyce Diedrich); uncle, Mike Helgren (Kristine Lin), cousins, Taylor (Allie) Helgren, Drew (Kelly Doyle) Helgren, and Ethan Helgren Lin; great aunt, Beverly Mittlestadt and her children, Heidi and Tom; cousins, Kelli and Casey and their children.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Elizabeth Helgren, and Duane and Phyllis Murphy; and uncle, Greg Murphy.