Helvie Mae TePoel of Hudson, WI passed away on November 7, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Helvie, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Johnson was born on April 16, 1929 in Brule, WI. She attended and graduated from Waino High School. Following high school Helvie married Thomas TePoel of Cloverland, WI. on June 7, 1947.
Helvie and Tom raised six children and have 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren. Helvie loved and adored her family so much, she especially loved when they came home for family gatherings and holidays.
Helvie was an amazing human being, she had such a special way of making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and accepted. In addition to raising her family and working hard on the farm, she had many friends and enjoyed many hobbies such as snowmobiling with the neighbor ladies, golfing, she was active in her church and a member of the alter society, and she loved playing cards and going on road trips. Helvie had a spirit of adventure and liked to experience everything! She made the BEST homemade bread and rolls and pickled beets!
She attended college at WITC, and worked at Carlson’s summer home as a baker and cook.She was accepting of all, supportive, kind, loving, hardworking, dedicated and loyal. She set a perfect example of 'love and acceptance' for everyone that was lucky enough to meet her. She was known to many outside of our family as “Ma or Mom"!
Helvie will be so very missed by all who knew and loved her!!
She is preceded in death by Thomas TePoel (Spouse), William Johnson (Father), Elizabeth Mallinen Johnson (Mother), Dean TePoel (Son), and Bailey Eich (Granddaughter).
Services for Helvie TePoel will be held in the Spring in Lake Nebagamon, WI. Details will come at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.
View All Photos
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
225 South 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more