Funeral Service: Thursday, September 22 at 10 AM at First United Methodist Church in Hebron, Nebraska
Visitation: Wednesday, September 21 from 5-9 PM at Price Funeral Home in Hebron, Nebraska
Interment: Hebron City Cemetery immediately following the funeral service
Memorials: Hebron Alumni Association or First United Methodist Church
Donald Duane Engel, the son of F.W. "Bill" Engel and
Augusta
(Virus) Engel, was born on
February 23, 1935
near
Hubbell
,
Nebraska
. He passed away September 19, 201l at Bryan LGH, at the age of 76 years, 6 months and 27 days. He attended a
Thayer
County
country school, and
Hebron
High School
where he graduated in 1953. He was baptized March 24, 1935 and confirmed April 10, 1949 at
Grace
Lutheran
C
hurch
,
Hebron
,
Nebraska
. Donald was married to Wilma Faye Hartley on June 12, 1955 at
Grace
Lutheran
Church
,
Hebron
, by Rev. R.J. Meyer. Don and Wilma lived in
Hebron
for 3 years before moving to Wilma's grandparent's acreage on the north edge of town. This union was blessed with two children: Diane and Ronnie. Don was a member of the United Methodist Church of Hebron serving on various boards. He was employed by the Hebron Dairy, Jack & Jill Grocery Store, Kansas/Nebraska Gas Company, and Farmer's Co-op, before becoming a School Janitor/Custodian in 1970 until having to retire for health reasons in 1999 after 29 years. In 1995, Don and Wilma were awarded the Fort Butler Award for Public Service in the
Hebron
area. Don received custodian of the year honors in 2004 by the NE State Custodian Association. Don & Wilma enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and square dancing together. After Wilma passed away, Don continued traveling with his brothers, sister, their spouses, and friend Kathy Mammen. They took many trips to see family, friends, and most recently to
Germany
and
Israel
last year. He loved going to music concerts and on bus tours. He attended local auctions just so he could see and visit with lots of people. Don enjoyed eating breakfast at the Bakery, lunch at the
Senior
Center
, and then playing cards with friends. Don was a devoted husband and father. In 1975, Don and Wilma took in a nephew, Scott, whom they parented for nearly 2 years. They were a true inspiration and spiritual pillars as parents and marriage partners. Don's grandchildren admired him for the wisdom he shared. Kathy's children and grandchildren adored Don's many hugs and special times spent together. He was kind to everyone and was known for always sharing his smile. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, his parents, Bill & Augusta Engel, and brother and sister-in-law, Lavern and Eleanor Engel. Don is survived by his children, Diane Smith and husband Randy of Hebron; Ron Engel and wife Kim of Milford, NE.; 2 grandchildren Jeremiah Smith and friend Kimmi McKinney of Chadron, NE.; Sarah Chapman and her husband Dustin of Lincoln, NE; 2 great grandsons Remy & Calin Chapman; mother-in-law Lillian Hartley of Hebron; brothers, Marvin Engel and wife Leora of Fairbury, NE; Louis Engel of Champaign, IL; sister, MaryAnn Johnson and her husband Dick of Council Bluffs, IA; brothers-in-law, Jim Hartley and his wife Carol, and Merle Hartley, all of Hebron, Kathy Mammen of Hebron and her family; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
