In loving memory of Helen Marie (Combo) Goebel

Dec. 12, 1941 — April 3, 2025

Helen Goebel, age 83, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully with family by her side at Schneidmiller Hospice House of North Idaho. Helen was born Dec. 12, 1941, in Butte, Mont. She was the first-born child of Robert and Helen Combo. Helen grew up attending primary and secondary schools in Butte. She graduated from Girls Central High School Butte in 1959. During her schooling, Helen worked at Hennessy's. After graduating, Helen moved to Anaheim, Calif. There, she worked as a veterinary assistant. The skills she gained came in handy as she owned several pets throughout her life. In 1967, she met the love of her life, Donald Goebel. On July 22, 1968, Don and Helen married in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In April 1970, they welcomed their only child, Michelle Marie (Missy). Helen enjoyed being a mother and homemaker. Painting ceramics, sewing, gardening, crocheting, cooking and baking were among her favorite activities. In 1983, Don and Helen bought Prairie Custom Meats in Post Falls, Idaho. Together, they ran a very successful business until selling it in 1999. During this time, Helen also owned and operated a children's clothing store named "Little Annie & Friends." Don and Helen began their retirement life in the spring of 1999. Helen particularly enjoyed camping. They were members of a couple of camping clubs. These clubs gave them the freedom to explore several areas of the Pacific Northwest. Don and Helen spent a few winters camping on the Pacific Coast in their fifth wheel. There, they enjoyed touring lighthouses, fishing, crabbing, clamming and socializing. When at home, they were active members of the American Legion Post No. 143. Helen was a proud charter member who helped to establish the first ladies' auxiliary in Post No. 143. The greatest joy in Helen's life was earning the title of "Grandma" for Cameron, Jordan, Stephanie and Noelle Simon. She was promoted to "great-grandma" after the arrival of Brayden, Emma and Oliver.  

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, mother- and father-in-law Sylvia and Alois Goebel, brother Robert (Butch) Combo, brother-in-law Victor Goebel and sisters-in-law Maria Goebel and Valerie Goebel.

Helen is survived by her loving spouse, Don Goebel, daughter and son-in-law Missy (Rob) Simon, grandchildren: Cameron Simon (AnnaLecia Gewecke), Jordan Simon, Stephanie (Kevin) Martin, Noelle Simon (Reily St. John), great-grandchildren: Brayden Martin, Emma Martin and Oliver St. John. Sister Judy Combo, brothers-in-law Gary Goebel and Edward Goebel, sister and brother-in-law Kathy (Rick) Griffith, as well as several beloved nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nickolich and the Schneidmiller Hospice House for their loving care of Helen during her final days.  

Additionally, a special thank you goes to the caring staff of Beacon Cancer Center, Northwest Specialty Hospital of PF, and Kootenai Health for their dedicated and loving care of Helen as she battled cancer.

Services for Helen Goebel will be held Thursday April 17, 2025, at 10 a.m., at St. Pius X Catholic Church of Coeur d'Alene, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.   

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Helen's name to the Schneidmiller Hospice House of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.