Rischel Marie Howell

PORTAGE – Rischel Marie Howell, age 25, of Portage, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at her home.

Rischel was born on July 25, 2000, in Portage, the daughter of Daniel and Sara (Welsh) Howell.  She had graduated from Portage High School in 2018.  Rischel had worked as a kitchen aide at Heritage House in Portage, where her grandfather, William, is currently living.  She had a special bond with him, spending time with him everyday.  Rischel enjoyed reading, art, painting, crocheting, drawing and especially spending time with her friends, being her goofy self.  She also loved playing video games and especially her cats.

She is survived by her mother, Sara Howell; her father, Daniel (Mary Tessmer) Howell; her brother, Nico Howell; her sisters, Kacy Karcher, Jennifer (Derek Lainberger) Tessmer and Kelsey Tessmer; two nieces, Kali and Kennedy Tessmer;  a nephew, Kylo Sanders;  her grandfather, William Welsh;  her grandparents, Freeman (Marla) Grover;  her godfather and special uncle, Vito Cefalu;  her uncles, Bill (Jeanne) Welsh, Greg Welsh, Rick Welsh, Tim (Mary) Welsh, Peter Welsh and John (Brian Culley) Welsh;  her aunt, Crystal (Steve) Arloff;  her two cats, Binx and Luna; many friends, cousins and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Shirley Welsh and her aunts, Teri Welsh and Alice Welsh.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Pastor Kay Hallanger officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Columbia County Humane Society, and the family would appreciate flowers sent for Rischel.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.