Helen Joy (Bowles) Breitenfeld

Helen Joy Breitenfeld, daughter of John Buell and Jewell née Harrison Bowles, was born December 23, 1934, in Centerville, Missouri. She received her education in the public schools and in 1952, graduated from Centerville High School. After graduation, Helen sought employment in St. Louis.

On May 5, 1957, she married Marvin Carl Breitenfeld, at Emmaus Lutheran Church. To this union, their daughter Janis Ann Todd (Dane) Leslie was born. She survived together with the grandchildren, Leigh Hastings, Katy Williams, and Samantha (fiancé Chris Sturges) Todd, the great-grandchildren Breanna (Wesley) Scoular, Mikayla (Gabe) Ware, Zoey Meyer, Alex and Evan Saunders, and Adiann Todd, and great-great-grandchildren Gwenivere “Winnie” Rose, Sophia Scoular. Also surviving are her sisters, Sylvia Jean Bowles and Velma Kelley. Helen is further survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Pearl (Herman) Niehaus, Howard (Jackie) Breitenfeld, Richard (Judy) Breitenfeld and Robert (Karen) Breitenfeld, alongside nieces, nephews, and other relatives, co-workers, and many friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Marvin who passed away December 16, 2014, her sister Virginia Sherrill, November 13, 2019, and her brothers-in-law, Raymond Sherrill and Harold Kelley. On December 21, 1958, Helen was confirmed at Emmaus Lutheran, having been baptized at the age of 12, in 1946, at First Baptist Church, Centerville, Missouri. Helen and Marvin became communicants at Peace on January 1, 1964, where membership since has remained. Helen was involved in Ladies Guild, Couples Club and volunteered at Lutheran Hospital.

As a loving and attentive spouse, mother, grand, great, and great-great-grandmother, Helen will be remembered as a cordial and charitable soul, ever approachable and helpful towards all, especially children. From 1963-1978, Helen served for over 15 years as secretary at Green Park Lutheran School. Following her employment at Green Park, she began working at Edward Jones Investments, as a Senior Business Office Administrator, working 40 hours each week with Paul Neeman.

Helen experienced exceptionally good health until an unexpected heart attack on Friday, February 24, when she was hospitalized at Mercy Hospital, Jefferson County. The following Tuesday, February 28, she suffered another heart attack and then a debilitating stroke. Helen underwent numerous tests and medical procedures, also receiving the love and attention of her family and friends. Despite the constant care and concern of family, her condition did not rally. On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, Helen peacefully departed this life. She attained the age of 88 years, 2 months, and 12 days.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital are encouraged and appreciated. 

Visitation will be held Monday, March 20, 2023 from 4-8 pm at John L. Ziegenhein and sons Funeral Home, South County Chapel. 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2023 11:30 am at Peace Lutheran Church, 737 Barracksview Rd. St. Louis, MO 63125, visitation an hour prior. Interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

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