Helen Louise Graessle Odendahl, 79, of St. Louis, died peacefully Friday, November 15, 2019. She was born March 4, 1940 in Jefferson City to Louis and Catherine (Bode) Graessle.

She is survived by son, Kurt Odendahl (Judy) and daughter Diane Rinck (Doug); grandchildren, Adam, Andy, Ian, and Olivia; and sister, Mary Jo Brandt (Urban). She is proceeded in death by brothers, Paul, Donald, Phil, Tom, Jack, and Carl Graessle; and sisters, Virginia Carel and Ann Falter.

Helen grew up on a family farm near Freeburg, Missouri. After marriage she moved to a suburb of St. Louis where she raised her young family and later worked as a Cosmetologist.

Helen was a skilled seamstress and made many clothes for herself and her children. She was a very good cook and was known for her potato salad, Thanksgiving stuffing, and oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies.

In her free time Helen enjoyed league bowling with her sister Ann and sister-in-law Mary. In the late 70’s Helen began running. She participated in multiple area races where she would typically finish as one of the top three women runners in her age bracket.

Helen dearly loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She spent many years babysitting her grandsons Adam and Andy. Later she traveled to spend time with Ian and Olivia.

We will miss her gentle, loving presence in our lives.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 22, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville, MO.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to St. Elizabeth Hall Assisted Living Home at https://cardinalritterseniorservices.org/donate-online/