Dennis Engel
Janet “Jan” Hedler Engel; sister, Susan Marie “Susie” Newcomb; and father-inlaw, Donald Eugene “Jake” Hedler. Dennis is survived by Angela Engel of Abbotsford, Kristin (Rob) McMahon of Stoddard and Megan Engel of Brice Prairie; and special nephew, Michael (Louise) Hackel; grandchildren: Robby McMahon III, Reagan, Madisyn and Kenadie Schraufnagel, Jaxson and Avonlea, Godson Hunter Hackel; special great-niece, Natalie Hackel; sisters: Terry (Melvin) Deml, Cathy (Allan) Peissig, Barbie (Jeff) Bublitz, Deanna “Beaner” (Randy) Stockwell and Jaycine “Babe” (Gary) Geiger; and mother-in-law, Dolores (nee Firnstahl) Hedler; many cherished and 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.
A Mass of Christian burial was on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at 10:45 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby. Father D. Joseph Redfern presided. Lunch was served immediately following the service. All were welcome to attend. A private family burial will be performed in the near future.
Family and friends were invited for visitation on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Homes (203 North 4th Street, Abbotsford) and on Wednesday at Saint Mary’s from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Memorials may be directed to the Dennis & Jan Engel Farm Science Scholarship Trust at AbbyBank, (401 East Spruce Street, Abbotsford, WI 54405, 715.223.2345). 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 and generosity.
Online condolences can be made to www. maurinaschilling.com.
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).
Denny married his high-school sweetheart, Janet “Jan” Hedler Engel, on Sept. 21, 1974, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby.
Denny and 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, he became the third generation custodian of the family farm. He ran that farm, eventually adding his partner and 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 and 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”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy Engel and Edith “Tootie” (nee Amo) Engel; wife, Paid obituary 113711
