Helen Loretta (Kuenzi) Dettwyler, born February 11, 1927, in Silverton, Oregon, passed away peacefully at Benedictine Nursing Center in Mt. Angel on January 30, 2026.  Helen was the daughter of Harvey and Emma (Kaser) Kuenzi and the third of ten children.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Alfred; siblings Lewis Kuenzi, Lee Kuenzi, Marian Sinn, Glen Kuenzi, Bob Kuenzi and Lynn Kuenzi; her sons-in-law Charles (Karen) Walter and LeRoy (Kathryn) Menold; and her grandson Kevin (Jill) Dettwyler. Helen is survived by her siblings Ralph Kuenzi, Jim Kuenzi, and Richard Kuenzi; children Karen (Charles, deceased) Walter, Kathryn (Joe) Rokey, Barbara (Dale) Knapp, Wayne, Joan (Paul) Kaeb, Loren (Marlene), Donna (Earl) Edelman and Gary; 43 grandchildren, 138 great grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren.

Helen grew up on a family farm on Hibbard Road in Silverton, Oregon helping to raise her 9 siblings.  She learned the value of faith, hard work and caring for others – qualities she carried with her throughout her life.  Helen worked at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem prior to marrying Alfred Dettwyler in Salem, Oregon on April 20, 1947.  Together they raised eight children on their family farm on Desart Road in Silverton.  Helen was a member of the Christian Apostolic Church for 70 years.  She helped care for the children of many extended family members over the years. Helen enjoyed her grandchildren, sewing and crocheting many gifts for them.  She will also be remembered for her love of flower gardening.

The family expresses a sincere thank you to Benedictine Nursing Center and Serenity Hospice for their care for our mother over the past years.  Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice in Salem, Oregon.

Visitation will be held on February 3rd at the Apostolic Christian Church from 6-8 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Funeral Services will be on February 4th at 10:00 am at the Apostolic Christian Church in the Fellowship Hall. Private family interment will follow at Bethany Pioneer Cemetery.

Christian