Carla Helmstadter

Carla Jo Helmstadter

Carla Jo Helmstadter, affectionately known as Carla Jo or CJ, was born May 25, 1960, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Donald and JoAnn Helmstadter. She was the eighth of ten children. Carla passed away on September 30, 2026.

Carla was a strong, resilient, outspoken, and tenderhearted woman who lived life unapologetically and on her own terms. She was known for her honesty, humor, compassion, and unforgettable personality. Beneath her strong exterior was a woman who loved deeply and treasured her family.

Carla loved cooking, music, dancing, fashion, fishing, traveling, shopping, playing Keno, watching true crime and science fiction, and gathering with family—especially during the holidays. Her home was a place of food, laughter, stories, and hospitality.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Carlos Helmstadter, LaFaya Helmstadter, Johnathan Helmstadter, Ivan Dorsey, and Diamond Helmstadter-Signal; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her surviving siblings; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and JoAnn Helmstadter; sisters Pamela Helmstadter, Cynthia Falkner, and Katherine Helmstadter; brother Wilhelm Helmstadter; nephew Gayle Eugene Helmstadter; grandson Marteris VonEric Gray; and John Ivan Dorsey and Olga Faye Dorsey.

Her family remembers her as imperfect, resilient, loving, funny, and uniquely Carla. Though she is deeply missed, her spirit lives on through the generations she loved, the lessons she shared, and the memories she leaves behind.

Rest peacefully, Mom. You are loved, remembered, and never forgotten.