Matthew Christopher Helm

Matthew Christopher Helm, of Challis, returned to his Lord and Savior on February 25, 2026. He fought, with all his might, a decade long battle against Lyme disease.

Matt was born along side his twin sister, Nicole, on August 14, 1992 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. They were born early and weighed just over three pounds. Under the wonderful care of Dr. George Groberg and the nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, they were released just three weeks later to come home.

From then on, it was up, up, and away with life. Matt was interested in just about everything, from all things sports-related to everything that moved on two or four wheels. He loved dogs and went everywhere with his most loyal companion, Clark. He graduated from Challis High School in 2011. He loved to play quarterback, point guard, pitcher, and of course, pole vault–up, up, and away!! He was part of two consecutive state championship track teams at Challis. He loved cars, trucks, tractors, and of course, motorcycles.

After high school, he attended college at Spokane Community College on a track and field scholarship. He pole vaulted at the collegiate level until an injury prevented him from continuing. During the summers, he worked for the Forest Service, clearing trails on his motorcycle as well as working on the ranch with his family. He received his college degree in Water Resources.

During his short lifetime, he did many things. He worked for the Boise City Water Department, managed Maco auto body repair shop in Boise, obtained his Idaho real estate license, worked for Valley Ag in Salmon, and worked for UPS and FedEx. He had established his own car hauling business, hauling vehicles from Salt Lake City to parts all over Idaho and Montana. He was never afraid to try something new. His favorite times, however, were working on his family’s ranch in Challis, alongside his Grandpa. They had a special relationship.

Matt had the kindest heart, worrying and caring about others, even though his own health was not good. He always had a smile and a firm handshake to greet everyone.

He would want to thank all the people that helped and coached him along the way. His teachers and coaches, Dr. Jason West in Pocatello, Dr. Wall in Bountiful, UT, Dr. Klinghart in Seattle, and Joe Petrie in Challis. Above all, he would want to thank his family and friends who stood with him all the way through.

Matt is survived by his grandparents, Tom and Lesley Levendofske, his parents, Steve and Shelly Helm, sisters Stephanie Helm and Nicole (Jaymis) Marburger, uncles Jack Helm and Mike (Karen) Levendofske, aunts Susan (Chuck) Bylsma and Laurie (Mohammed) Levendofske, cousins Doug (JoAnn) Helm, Mike Helm, Katie (Chris) Helm, Charlie Bylsma, Sarah Bylsma, Emily Bylsma, and Spencer Bylsma, and his niece, Bellamay Marburger. He was precededed in death by his grandparents, Cal and Barbara Helm, and his aunt Marilyn Helm.

A memorial service will be held in Matt’s honor at the Helm Ranch in Challis on May 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.