Dennis “Denny” James Engel
1953-2021
Dennis “Denny” James Engel died suddenly Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. He was born in Dorchester Oct. 26, 1953, to LeRoy and Edith “Tootie” Engel (nee Amo). A mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at 10:45 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby. Father D. Joseph Redfern officiated. Lunch was served immediately following the service. A private family burial will be performed in the near future. Family and friends attended visitation on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, from 4-8 p.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Homes (203 North 4th Street, Abbotsford, WI) and on Wednesday at Saint Mary’s from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Denny married his high-school sweetheart Janet “Jan” Hedler Engel on Sept. 21, 1974, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby.
Denny & Jan graduated Colby High School in 1971 and Denny attended North Central Technical College in their farm science program. In 1974, a month into his 21st year, and upon the early death of his Father, Dennis became the 3rd generation custodian of the family farm. He ran that farm, eventually adding his partner & nephew Doug Geiger, until his death marking 120 years. This proud Engel family tradition will continue under Doug. Dennis was very proud of Clark Co-Line Dairy Corporation, and it was important to him to operate it with all the modern processes of farming in the 21st century.
Dennis was a proud member of the Board of Directors of Taylor Electric Cooperative, Clark Electric Cooperative & Dairyland Power Cooperative, including several terms as Chairman of the Board of Dairyland Power Cooperative. He served several terms as member of the Central Fire & EMS Board of Trustees and the Board of Education of the Colby School District. Denny served many years as the Town Chairman of Mayville.
Denny enjoyed anything outside, operating the combine, hunting (deer, elk, pheasant), snowmobiling, UTV riding, softball, bowling, boating, being at his lake home, golfing, campfires, did we mention combining? He enjoyed any and all times with friends and family. In a recent high school reunion post, he answered the question what you are most proud of in your life...”my three successful, independent daughters.”
Dennis is survived by Angela Engel, Abbotsford, Kristin (Rob) McMahon, Stoddard, Wis., Megan Engel, Brice Prairie, Wis; special nephew Michael (Louise) Hackel; grandchildren, Robby McMahon, III, Reagan, Madisyn & Kenadie Schraufnagel, Jaxson & Avonlea; godson Hunter Hackel; and special greatniece Natalie Hackel; sisters, Terry (Melvin) Deml, Cathy (Allan) Peissig, Barbie (Jeff) Bublitz, Deanna “Beaner” (Randy) Stockwell, Jaycine “Babe” (Gary) Geiger; and mother-in-law Dolores (nee Firnstahl) Hedler.
Many cherished & highly valued friends from his youth on up, especially lifelong friend Danny Dums who appropriately, along with Doug Geiger, were with him at his death.
Preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy Engel, Edith “Tootie” (nee Amo) Engel; wife, Janet “Jan” Hedler Engel; sister, Susan Marie “Susie” Newcomb; and father-in-law Donald Eugene “Jake” Hedler.
Memorials may be directed to the Dennis & Jan Engel Farm Science Scholarship Trust at AbbyBank, (401 East Spruce Street, Abbotsford, WI 54405, 715223-2345). This Trust will provide assistance to Colby High School graduates pursuing careers and passions in farm science.
Many lives were enriched by Denny’s friendship & generosity.
Online condolences can be made to www.maurinaschilling. com.
Paid Obituary 113723
