Jeanne Engle Obituary

Jeanne Marie Engle, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in Springfield, MO, with her loving family by her side. Jeanne was 86 years old. She was born on September 28, 1936, in Chicago, IL to Howard and Marie (Fiedler) Musler. Jeanne married Walter Joseph Kellen in 1956 and together they had four daughters, Kimberly, Julie, Bonnie and Beth. After the loss of their first child, Kimberly, at 20 months of age, Walter passed away on March 25, 1965. Jeanne and her daughters moved from Texas to Montana to be closer to her brother, Bill, who temporarily lived with the family as they navigated a new life. Jeanne was a member of the Baha'i Faith, and during a Baha'i meeting, she met Dan Engle and, as they say, the rest is history. He developed a close relationship with Julie, Bonnie, and Beth, asking their permission to marry Jeanne. They were united in marriage on April 9, 1966. Together, they added a son, Allan, to the family. Jeanne was an amazing mother, wife, and friend. She was a talented seamstress, known for making all her children's clothing and winter coats. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, traveling the world, and sharing her gift of music. Jeanne was a talented singer and piano player, having sung with the Baha'i World Congress Choir at the second Baha'i World Congress in New York City in 1992, twice at Carnegie Hall, and later at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Jeanne was most proud of being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished her family and the time she was able to spend with them. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Walter, her daughter Kimberly Suzanne Kellen, and her dear brother, William Howard Musler. Jeanne is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Dan Engle; daughters, Julie Clark and partner Jim Brennecke, Bonnie Keller and husband Clayton, and Beth Steele and husband Dave Heckart; son, Allan Engle and wife Debbie; 15 grandchildren, Christopher (fiance Crystal) Clark, Jessica (Robert) Goswitz, Crosby (Alex) Calvillo, Kennedy Keller, Savannah Keller, Jeffrey Schmidt, Brandon (April) Rhine, Justin Rhine, Andrea (Erik) Carlson, Lina (Chris) Forrester, Trevor Engle, Lillian Engle, Vivian Engle, Maddie Engle, and Alex Engle; 8 great-grandchildren, Elly Clark, Jackson Calvillo, Jonah Schmidt, Emelia Rhine, Aceston Rhine, Odin Carlson, Tilly Carlson, and Margot Forrester; her wonderful dog Flash; as well as other extended family and countless friends all over the world. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 5, 2023, from 11:00 A. M. to 12 noon at Meadors Funeral Home (314 N Main Ave, Republic, MO) with a Celebration of Jeanne's Life to follow at 12 noon. A private graveside service will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 South Southwood Rd, Springfield, Missouri.