Helen Prechtl

Helen J. "Zippy" Prechtl, 85, of Daguscahonda, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, following a brief illness.

She was born on January 21, 1940, in Toby, the daughter of the late Oden and Christine Billotte Krise.

On June 23, 1955, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Brandy Camp, she married the late Merle Prechtl, who preceded her in death on July 3, 1990.

Zippy lived a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication. She retired from Keystone Powder Metals, where she dedicated many years of service. She was a devoted member of St. Leo Church in Ridgway, PA, where she found comfort and fellowship.Zippy will be remembered for her warm spirit, her love for family, and her special knack for keeping secrets between her and her cherished great-grandchildren. She was known for her warmth and sociable nature and could be found sharing the joke of the long steam rose, a testament to her ability to connect with others through humor.

An avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Zippy found joy in cheering for her team. She loved spending her leisure time playing bingo and bowling.Gardening was another of her passions; she found great fulfillment in nurturing her plants and enjoyed canning her harvests. Additionally, she delighted in playing Candy Crush, most likely holding the record for the level she had achieved. Zippy's passion for coffee was evident in her daily rituals, where she found joy and comfort in sharing a cup with family and friends

She is survived by 2 daughters; Deborah "Debi" Mitchell and her husband Jack of Weedville and Constance "Connie" Rigard and her husband Bruce of St. Marys, 6 grandchildren; Lisa, Anthony, Brandon, Nicole, Danielle, and John, and 12 great grandchildren; Parker, Lia, Giovanni, Luna, Sierra, Kayla, Tyler, Isaac, Eli, Arionna, Brionna, and Jaycee. She is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Schneider and her husband Michael of Daguscahonda, and her long time companion, Jim "Mope" Nussbaum.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, John J. Prechtl, and seven brothers: Herman, Clair "Bill", Calvin "Joe", John, Edward "Charlie", Thomas, and Richard Krise.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church, 111 Depot Street, Ridgway, PA, 15853, with Fr. Justin Pino officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA, 15853, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to 3 Breastketeers, 102 Elk Road, St. Marys, PA, 15857.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com.