DAHLGREN – Helen Wellen, 91, of Dahlgren, Illinois, passed away on November 3, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
She was born on February 4, 1934, to Seraphine Vincent Hopfinger and Clara (Rubenacker) Hopfinger. On August 13, 1959, she married Paul Wellen at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Piopolis. Paul preceded her in death on December 15, 2023.
Helen was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. She loved gardening, farming, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Helen’s beloved caregivers: Jeannette, Susannah, Kathy, and Misty.
She is survived by five children: Kenny (Kellie) Wellen, Marvin (Teresa) Wellen, Jim (Janet) Wellen, Diane (Tom) Mitchell, and John (Debbie) Wellen; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Hoppy Hopfinger; and sisters, Rita Karcher and Sister Aurelia Hopfinger.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro, with a Rosary at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Piopolis, with Father Slawomir Ptak officiating. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Piopolis, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
The Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
