Helen Ann (Riess) Zabel

Helen Ann Zabel, age 82 of Prairie du Chien, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on December 5, 1943, to Jerrold and Veronica (Chabela) Riess. Helen was a lifelong resident of Prairie du Chein, working locally for many years at the Crawford County Clerk of Courts before transferring to social work at the O.E. Satter Building. She enjoyed spending her retirement years with her family and grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as “Bubbles”. Helen married Roy Wallin on September 21, 2024. She was active in Operation Santa Claus, the D.A.R.E. Program, Meals on Wheels, and the Big Brother, Big Sister Program, all in Prairie du Chien. She loved following Wisconsin sports including the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers. She is survived by her husband Roy; children Michael (Chasidi) Zabel and Maureen (Josh) Runyon; grandchildren Ethan (Grace) and Emily (Andy Hudson) Zabel, and Jacob (Adriana), Olivia, and Ben Runyon, Chelsea, Cory, and Chy Thornton, and Cassandra (Ian) Joy; great grandchildren James Zabel, Beau and Jace Hudson, Iyla Joy, Arayah Hagensick, and Braelyn Thornton; brothers-in-law Tim (Ruth) and John (Deanna) Wagner; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Paul “Bill” Small, and sister-in-law Karen Paulson.

According to Helen’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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