Helen Dobler

Helen Dobler, 82, Bismarck, daughter of Raymond and Mildred Splonskowski, passed away December 3, 2023.

Helen was born on May 8, 1941, on a farm near Braddock, ND. She was the third oldest of 11 children. Helen attended the Braddock school for 3 years, then went to the Armstrong Country School through eighth grade. She then moved to Bismarck and attended St. Mary’s Central High School where she graduated.  During her years at St. Mary’s, she played volleyball on the same team as her sister Agnes and never missed the Honor Roll.  Helen learned about work ethic early, first as a child on the farm and then in Bismarck during high school where she worked in the dietary kitchen at St. Alexius Hospital.    

Helen was married to James Richter on May 31, 1961.  They moved to Alaska for a short time before returning in 1962. To this union her pride and joy were born, Claudette, Michelle and Vernon. Telling people about her children and their accomplishments was definitely one of her favorite pastimes.  Family, friends, or strangers, it did not matter.  She was a dedicated mother and homemaker while her children were young.  When her youngest started school, she began working for the Greyhound Bus Depot as a ticket agent. Nobody was allowed to buy a ticket without receiving a warm smile and a story or two (yes, she was an avid talker).  Later she would go on to work at the state capitol in the Fraud & Abuse Department as a claims agent. She was proud of her work, detailed beyond what was required. Helen retired in the early 90’s, kind of. She worked part-time at the Queen City Lumber Yard in Dickinson after she married her second husband in 1992. After selling the lumber yard in 2002, she made retirement permanent when they moved to Bismarck. 

During retirement, Helen mostly enjoyed caring for and spending time with family.  She was an excellent baker! Helen was known for her homemade cloverleaf buns (Grandma’s buns), tea rings and chocolate chip cookies.  The grandkids and great grandkids were sure to put their order in for “Grandma’s buns” before holiday get-togethers (it really wasn’t worth coming without the buns).  Not a loved one’s birthday went by that Helen wouldn’t send a birthday card filled with all the fixings, stickers, personal notes, cartoons, and of course, smiley faces. She loved attending the myriad of Splonskowski and Richter family weddings among other family events. This was time cherished, being with her siblings and extended family, not surprisingly, reminiscing the days and nights away.   Most importantly, Helen will be remembered as a warm, kind, generous woman that loved God and her family dearly. Family meant everything to Helen!  On all souls she knew and loved, she left an indelible blessing that will never be forgotten.

Helen is survived by her children, Claudette (Troy) Reno, Bismarck, Michelle Richter, Bismarck, and Vernon (Jeanne) Richter, Williamston, MI; grandchildren, Brenden (Kellie) Reno and their children, Ariella, Adrian and Julian, as well as one on the way, Chantalle (Jim) Ellis and their children, Cohen, Adelynn and Caleb, Trevor (Francesca) Reno and their children, Arlo and Uriel, as well as one on the way and Jonah Richter; siblings, Mary Richter, Agnes (Adam) Vetter, John (Carol) Splonskowski, Paul Splonskowski, France (Holly) Splonskowski, Marvin (Mary) Splonskowski, Jerry (Kathy) Splonskowski, Rita (Mac) Falconer and Alice (Bruce) Schatz; brother-in-law, Jim (Darla Miller) Hauer; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ann Hauer.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, Dec. 8, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A rosary will begin at 7:00 PM followed by a time of sharing.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, Dec. 9, at Church of Saint Anne, 1321 Braman Ave, Bismarck.

After Mass, the burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, 2929 E Century Ave, Bismarck.

Starting approximately 12:15 PM, a lunch reception will be held at the Eagles Club, 313 N 26^th St, Bismarck.