Michele Ann Helbing, 57, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at home and surrounded by her family.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Michele will be 10:30 am Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Raymond Burkle as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Michele was born to Harold and Sandra (Sabers) Helbing on March 20, 1968 – just minutes before her twin sister, Marsha.

In addition to proudly raising her son Cody, Michele lived in the service of others – working as caretaker & companion for her mother, Sandy, and numerous nieces and nephews over many years. Michele cared with all her heart and more might than seemed humanly possible at times, all while simultaneously navigating her own overwhelming health concerns.

Michele’s strength, patience, gentle nature, and selfless outlook helped her family to raise loving, caring, smart, responsible, and respectful children who are growing up to be beautiful people in her own image. Michele nurtured, played, and spoiled her way into their hearts with fervent love. As her life’s work, Michele prided herself on helping the kids use their imaginations, creating memories through learning and play that are sure to last generations. For her service, we’re forever indebted.

Gentle souls are animal lovers, and Michele cared for Sparky, her Cavalier King Charles, with the same soft & spoiled demeanor. Michele also served as the family’s go-to dog sitter for years, providing coverage so her family could travel.

Michele was an ardent supporter of the Chicago Cubs, up until the moment they traded her beloved Anthony Rizzo to the Yankees. Happy to report she had since renewed her Cubs fandom when Rizzo retired as a Cub. Michele loved crafting, baggy sweatshirts, and ballcaps. She could be Tweety Bird-sassy, at times. Michele would often be found watching old TV reruns, scrolling on her phone, or putting together a diamond painting. As a creature of habit, Michele loved what she loved unapologetically – same foods, same shows, same music style. To know Michele was to understand that despite life’s struggles, one can always choose to show up with a positive attitude, a smiling face, and an open heart full of love.

Michele was family-first and was always the first one to call to hear about your day, the big event, a baseball game, or simply what you had for supper. She loved hearing the news and sharing it with Sandy – sometimes even forgetting to hang up the phone before relaying the gossip. Her family was and always will be Michele’s biggest protectors & support system.

Michele enriched us with her love and support. We thank her for sharing her beautiful and generous soul with us. We see her in our kids each day. We see her in Cody’s polite, respectful and hardworking ways. We see it in how she took great pride in caring for her mother over the years. We’re blessed to have had Michele in our lives.

Michele is survived by her son, Cody; her mother, Sandy; her siblings Gerald (Sheila) Helbing, David Helbing, Patrick Helbing, Karen Baumgartner, Marsha (Richard) Kamm, Paula (Mark) Fleege, Robert (Lucero) Helbing, Tina (Casey) Slaght, Vicky (Rolando) Xicon; and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harold; her grandparents, Joseph and Elma Helbing, Floyd and Cecilia Sabers; Edith Sabers; Godmother Rita Ludwig; and a nephew Max Helbing.

A special thanks for the care given by Dr. John Whalen, Tri-State Dialysis, and Hospice of Dubuque.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Michele’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.