Obituary of Helen L. Mangold

Helen L. Mangold long time Lake Ozark Missouri area resident departed this life on Sunday December 24,2017 at 7:50 pm.

Mom was born March 13, 1921, in Lilbourn, Mo., the daughter of Jesse and Ada (Shy) Henderson. Mom graduated from Lilbourn High School in 1939.  After graduation Mom moved to St. Louis, Mo. and worked at Barnes Hospital.  

While living and working in St. Louis, Mom met my Dad (Frank J. Mangold, deceased) on a blind date and they were united in marriage on December 26, 1942 at the Saint Louis Cathedral.  Mom's Poppa died when she was 8 years old, so, Mom's future father-in -law gave her away.  He was quoted as saying " I gave you away with one hand and took you in with the other!" 

Mom and Dad moved to the Lake area in 1950 and built their home in Arrowhead Beach, where Mom resided until 2 months before her death.

How do I summarize my Mom's life in a few words?  

Mom was a supportive wife and worked side by side with my Dad in their business ventures, first Lake Ozark Ice Plant, then L.O. Gas Co.  Later Mom worked at Claymont Motor Lodge and Arrowhead Lodge in their gift shops. She also was a licensed cosmetologist.  After their retirement Mom and Dad spent many winters in Fla., Mom loved walking the beach and they both enjoyed going to garage sales. She was the primary caregiver for my Dad as his health declined and continued to do so until his death in 2013.  They were married 70 years.

She was a loving Mother to her daughter, Marsha. Mom belonged to PTA, was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, Room Mother, chauffeur, and all-round supporter of me in all my numerous school activities, which kept her busy. From birthdays to High school graduation and beyond, Mom was always there.   Mom was a wonderful seamstress making many of my clothes from pajamas to casual wear to formal attire, and bathing suits!!!  She could make almost anything given a sewing machine, needle and thread.

Mom looked forward to each and every season enjoying all that nature had to offer.  Mom loved working in the yard and spent many a happy hour there.

Mom in her younger days played golf, was a bowler, enjoyed hosting neighborhood card parties, and during the Holidays, Mom made wonderful memories for family, friends, and neighbors with great food and festive decorations. There was always room for another plate at the table. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Social Sorority and was honored with a lifetime membership for 50 years of service to her community. Mom made this world a better place.

Mom was very active in her Church.  Mom along with others would clean the Chapel of Our Lady of the Lake, also washing and ironing the alter cloth and linens.  Mom wrote an in-depth history on Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church from its small humble beginnings as a Chapel, to the large grand structure it is today.  She and my Dad were among the first few parishioners at the Chapel. Mom taught religious education to the Catholic children in the basement of the Chapel. Mom was a member of The Ladies of the Knights, a church affiliated organization, the counter part of The Knights of Columbus. Mom continued to attend Mass at Our Lady of the Lake until her health began to fail, she so loved the Lord.

In her later years Mom so enjoyed all the people whom helped her stay in her home.  The Walmart Staff whom helped her do her grocery shopping and the Walmart pharmacy, the OATS bus drivers, her Church community, her weekly household helpers, neighbors, and all her dear friends in the Lake area.  She appreciated and loved you all.  Thank you all for Loving my Momma.

My Momma Loved Strong, Lived Strong, and was Courageous, Yes Courageous, unknown to most, Mom was visually impaired, she had no sight in her left eye, the result of a childhood accident, but she did it all, even with her visual impairment.

So now my dear Momma...Death leaves a heartache no one can heal...love leaves a memory no one can steal...I will keep all the memories in my heart...Rest in Peace my Dear Momma.

I will Love and miss you forever,

marsha...  XXOO

Mom is survived by her daughter, Marsha of Kansas City, Mo.; two sister-in-laws Rosie Bentzen of Jefferson City,Mo.; Pauline Deutman of Ocala,Fla. many nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends in the her Church Community and in the entire Lake area whom were like family to her.

Mom was preceded in death by husband Frank J. Mangold, her parents Jesse and Ada Henderson, brothers Neil and Jesse Henderson, and sister Ellen Rose Speight and her husband Gene Speight.

Services will be held Saturday January 13, 2018. At Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Visitation starting at 10:00 am and Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Inurnment at Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery Veterans Wall Osage Beach, Missouri.

Memorials: Mary Knoll Sisters or Little Sisters of the Poor