Helen (Helena Riedesel) Knoechel

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Helen (Helena Riedesel) Knoechel passed away at Woodland Village Concepts Jan. 6, 2020. She was born in Selman, near the town of Buffalo, Okla., (also known as the Dust Bowl), to Peter and Elise (Hesse) Riedesel in 1924. The family moved to Washington State in 1936.

Helen attended school in Chehalis, Wash., with the exception of one year at Burnt Ridge, a two-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Chehalis High School. Helen worked for Coffman-Dobson Bank in Chehalis for 12 years. In 1947, she met and married Don Knoechel. Their daughter, Chris was born in 1954. While working at Lewis County Courthouse, Helen became supervisor of the audio visual department. In the 1970s, she opened an antique shop called Newaukum Homestead.

Helen loved oil painting and collecting antiques. Her greatest joy was spending time with family. She belonged to the Clara Armstrong Guild of Seattle Childrens Hospital, Chehalis Bowling League, Lewis County Glass Club, Chehalis Eagles Auxiliary and was a charter member of the Lewis County Veterans Museum.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Don Knoechel; parents, Peter and Elise Riedesel; sisters, Edna McCutchan and Margaret DelZoppo.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Chris (Dan) Davis; brother, Peter (Lorraine) Riedesel; grandchildren, Amy (Randy) Howlett, Matt Schieffer and Beth (Casey) Henning; and great-granddaughters, Alyssa and Hailey Howlett.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff and administrators of Woodland Village Memory Care and to Assured Home Hospice for the pleasant, compassionate care Helen received during her stay there. A private service will be held at a later date. Please share memories at www.FuneralAlternatives.org.