Engstrom, Helen - 1920-2011

ENGSTROM, GLUMAC, GRIFFITHS, KLINE, MARTENS, MEDLEY, PETERSON, PRIEST, ROBINSON, SCHNEIDER

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 9/14/2024 at 15:47:49

Helen Engstrom, age 91 of Ankeny, passed away Monday, November 28, 2011, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston.
Helen was born May 3, 1920, in Des Moines at home, to Rose (Medley) and Sam Glumac. She was the oldest of five children.
After graduating from Woodside High School, she worked at the Polk County Home in various positions, was a Secretary to the Board of Supervisors, and later returned to the Polk County Home as the Secretary and Bookkeeper until it closed.
Helen married Eldon Engstrom on the 14th of February, Valentine’s Day in 1942. They had a daughter, Sharon, and a son, Charles.
Helen was a sweet-natured woman who saw the best in everyone. She enjoyed her flowers, gardening, mushroom hunting, and picnics with her loved ones.
Helen had a lifelong friend, Frances (Podnar) Salak. Their parents were friends and they grew up together and remained dear friends throughout life.
Helen leaves behind her husband of 69 years, Eldon; daughter, Sharon (Gene) Peterson of WDM, and her son, Charles (Shari Priest) Engstrom of DM; sisters, Catherine Martens of Minnesota, and Violet (Edward) Robinson of DM; brothers, George Glumac of DM, and Daniel Glumac of Ankeny; four grandchildren, Amy (Byron) Schneider of Ankeny, Valerie Kline of DM, Mark Peterson of DM, and Jennifer (William) Griffiths of Alaska; five great-grandchildren, Amanda, Triston, Samuel Schneider, Drake and Evan Griffiths; as well as many other loving relatives and close friends.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, December 2, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will greet friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home, beginning at 11 a.m.
We want to thank Mercy Hospice for the wonderful care our Mother received. Also, thank you to her relatives and friends who visited, sent cards and flowers, and made her last days happier.
Online condolences may be made to: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Wednesday, November 30, 2011, page 5B