Helen Marie Arnold, 95, of Festus died May 3, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Foristell. Mrs. Arnold retired from the Sears catalog store in Festus in 1992 after working at PPG in Crystal City from 1944-1959, and at Jack and Jill’s clothing store. She was a founding member of and volunteer for Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus and a member of its Young at Heart senior group; a secretary of the Festus High School Class of 1944; a Cub Scout den mother and she sang with the Jefferson College Starlight Chorus. Born July 3, 1926, in Crystal City, she was the daughter of the late Rilla (Bunch) and John Patek.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years: Wilbert J. Arnold.
She is survived by a son: Kevin J. (Linda Dierks) of Imperial; a daughter: Melinda K. (David) Fritsche of Foristell; a brother: Jack Patek of Festus; two sisters-in-law: Deanna Patek of Festus and Laverne (the late George) Pappas of Crystal City; and six grandchildren: Jason and Adam Arnold, Michelle (Jason) Wiese and Scott, Eric and Kaitlin Fritsche.
She was preceded in death by a brother: Edward Patek; two brothers-in-law: Alvin (the late Emma Jean) Arnold and Lloyd (the late Rita) Arnold; and a sister-in-law: Jacqueline Patek.
Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, May 20, at Our Lady Catholic Church, 1550 St. Mary’s Lane, Festus, followed by a funeral Mass officiated by Father Gregory Klump. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Our Lady Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Homes.