Helen Louise (Bitzer) Engleman, 94, was born August 17, 1925 and passed away November 30, 2019. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest V. Bitzer and Carrie Murray Bitzer; her brothers Murray, Bernal, Ernest Jr. and Beuford Bitzer; and her husband of 66 years, Jack Engleman.

Helen began her life with four older brothers, a setting which enhanced her natural character to compete and persevere. When Helen was introduced to someone she would say,  "they call me hellion", a quip that would begin a playful banter with her friends. Humor enhanced her friendships, but her sense of loyalty, generosity and sincere compassion is what sustained them.

During high school in Bolivar, MO Helen's varied interests included band, orchestra, glee club, pep club, drum and bugle corp, the basketball team, track team, and the school paper; all early evidence of her versatile interests and talents.

While obtaining her A.A. degree from Southwest Baptist College, Helen was a member of the English Club and the Business Manager of the college yearbook. Helen also worked as a biology lab assistant, secretary to the registrar's office, secretary to the head of the extra class division of Stevens College, and to Polk County Bank in Bolivar… and she still graduated first in her class.

After graduation Helen was the secretary to the president of Bolivar Wholesale Grocery and later for the manager of Turner's department store.

In the mid-1950's Helen was a member of the Springfield Women's Horton Smith Cup Golf Team, and her outstanding performances contributed to many of their team championships.

Helen was recognized as Kentwood Arms Secretary of the Week in 1952 while working for Richard P. Stahl, prominent Springfield architect. In 1965 she left to work as a secretary for the pastor of Kingsway Methodist Church, where she and her husband were members for decades.

In 1978 Helen became an executive secretary to the plant manager at Dayco Corporation, an international company of over 1300 local employees at the time. Helen greeted visitors from all over the world. She was also responsible for the Dayco newsletter "The Monitor", and her articles provided great insight into Dayco's operation.

When Helen retired in 1985 her husband soon followed, drawn to the calm of boating and golfing and winters in South Carolina. They were gifted golfers, Jack with a hole-in-one two times, and Helen with a hole-in-one three times, during their long-time memberships at Twin Oaks Country Club and Millwood Golf Club. This lifetime passion they shared introduced them to many of their friends.

Helen is survived by two nieces; Marta Chasteen of Kansas City, Missouri and Karen Bitzer of Springfield, Missouri; two great-nieces, Carrie Huguet of London, England and Molly Chasteen of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; as well as two great-great-nieces, Mathilde and Charlotte Huguet.

A Memorial Service for Helen will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.