Helen R. Oppelt

June 13, 1949 – October 23, 2025

Helen R. Oppelt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 13, 1949, to Natividad and Jesusa Rodriguez, the youngest of five siblings. Helen’s radiant smile, generous spirit, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her.

Helen grew up in a close-knit family alongside her siblings: Rudolfo (Connie) Rodriguez, Marylou (Porfirio) Talamantez, Doroteo (Nora) Hernandez, and Esmeregildo Rodriguez. Her family was the foundation of her life, a source of strength and joy throughout her years.

In the late 1970s, Helen met the love of her life and guardian angel, Alfred R. Oppelt. The two shared a deep and abiding love, marrying on December 1, 1984. Over their forty beautiful years together, Helen and Al built a life filled with laughter, devotion, and countless treasured memories. Their love was a shining example of faith, commitment, and true partnership.

Helen’s passion for cooking blossomed early in life. In the early 1970s, she opened Helen’s Taco Hut in Stockdale, Texas, where she became known for her warm hospitality and her famous homemade flour tortillas. Cooking was her love language—especially during the holidays when she and Al would spend hours preparing tamales to share with family and friends. Her kitchen was a place of joy, filled with the comforting aroma of good food and the sound of laughter.

Beyond her culinary talents, Helen was deeply devoted to service and prayer. She volunteered for many years at the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum, especially during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and later worked alongside Al at the New Braunfels Leather Company. In her personal life, Helen was a true Prayer Warrior—a woman of unshakable faith who prayed fervently for others. Even as she faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s dementia, she never forgot her faith or her love for Jesus.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Natividad and Jesusa Rodriguez; her late husband, Joe Rangel Silvas; brothers Rudolfo Rodriguez and Doroteo Hernandez; stepdaughter Dorothy Rios; and granddaughter Kimberly Oppelt.

She is survived by her devoted husband of forty years, Alfred R. Oppelt; her children Joe (Paula) Silvas Jr., Sandra (Richard) Oppelt, Susie (Oscar) Gutierrez, and Louis (Jeanette) R. Silvas; stepchildren Betty Oppelt and Alfred (Patsy) Oppelt Jr.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Joseph (Lindsay) Silvas, Matthew (Yolanda) Silvas, Noah Silvas, Joe (Karla) Oppelt, Greg A. Oppelt, Christina R. Oppelt Eric Z. Oppelt, Samantha Rae Guajardo, Ethan L. Silvas, Ella C. Silvas, Joe (Serena) Rodriguez, Abraham Rodriguez, Alfred (Cathy) Oppelt III, Robert (Amanda) Oppelt, Valerie Oppelt, Chris (Laurie) Oppelt, Jesse Cazares, Melissa Rios, Joe Rios Jr, as well as her many 34 great-grandchildren, 3 great, great, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved her dearly.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Christina R. Oppelt, Helen’s granddaughter, whose loving care and devotion over the years were a true blessing. Your compassion and strength were a gift from God—thank you.

Helen’s family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the prayers, love, and kindness shown during this time of sorrow. Her faith, kindness, and loving spirit will live forever in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Helen’s faith-filled life reminds us that love, service, and prayer are the greatest legacies one can leave behind. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit and the warmth of her love will forever remain in our hearts.

A public visitation for Helen will be held Monday, October 27, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130. A rosary will occur at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou Dr, San Antonio, Texas. Graveside serviced will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, 7735 Gibbs Sprawl Road, San Antonio, Texas.