Frances Helbling

Frances Helbling, 92, of Bismarck, passed away on July 1, 2026, at Missouri Slope Nursing Home in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at Ascension Catholic Church, 1825 South 3rd Street, Bismarck, with Father Russell Kovash officiating. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan, where a Rosary/Vigil service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Frances was born on February 19, 1934, in Flasher, North Dakota, the daughter of Adam and Anna (Berger) Schaff. She attended school in Fallon. On October 19, 1953, Frances married Terrance "Terry" Helbling. Together they farmed near St. Anthony before moving to Mandan.

Frances was a natural homemaker. She loved hosting large family gatherings and made sure no one ever left her home hungry or thirsty. The “pop fridge” in the garage was always fully stocked and open to anyone who walked through the door. Company was always welcome, and there was never a shortage of food. During the holidays, Frances and Terry made their famous meatballs with all the trimmings. Frances was also known for her homemade buns, pfeffernüsse cookies, and cinnamon twists, family favorites that everyone looked forward to.

Frances' love for her family and her caring nature also made her an excellent caretaker. She worked at Mandan Hospital for 25 years before retiring.

Frances was a gifted embroiderer. Her beautifully embroidered dish towels became treasured keepsakes, as she lovingly gifted them to her children and grandchildren for special occasions. Every grandchild and great-grandchild who visited her home knew they would find the best toys in the old yellow LEGO bucket kept in her closet. Frances delighted in watching them play on the living room floor. As they grew older, she especially enjoyed gathering around the table to play cards, hear about their lives, and create lasting memories together.

She also enjoyed camping, gardening, working on puzzles, and spending time with her family and friends.

Blessed to share her life are her daughter, Diane of Bismarck; sons, David (Marlene) of Mandan, Dennis (Anne) of Mandan, Duane (LaRae) of Mandan, and Dale (Sherry) of Bismarck; grandchildren, Kristen (Darren) Weiler, Eric Helbling (Andrea Forde), Darin Helbling (Brittany Boehm), Kim (Austen) Beck, Mike Helbling (Tammy Spivack), Christopher (Shawna) Helbling, Amanda (Eric) Varriano, Jason (Kelsi) Helbling, Emily (Channing) Felch, and Dylan (Dani) Helbling; 22 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Alvina Schaff and Delores Morris.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Terry in 2021; her parents, Adam and Anna; sisters, Barbara, Doreen, Katherine, Florence, Elizabeth, Theresa, and Clementine; brothers, Joe, Frank, Bill, and Matt; and her grandson, Samuel.