Obit: Engel, Dennis “Denny” James (1953 - 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Engel, Amo, Hedler, McMahon, Hackel, Schraufnagel, Deml, Peissig, Bublitz, Stockwell, Firnstahl, Geiger

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 11/21/2021

Engel, Dennis “Denny” James (26 October 1953 – 19 November 2021)

Dennis “Denny” James Engel died suddenly Friday November 19, 2021. He was born in Dorchester, October 26, 1953, to LeRoy and Edith “Tootie” Engel (nee Amo).

Denny married his high-school sweetheart Janet “Jan” Hedler Engel on September 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”.

He was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy Engel, Edith “Tootie” (nee Amo) Engel, wife Janet “Jan” Hedler Engel, Sister Susan Marie “Susie” Newcomb & Father-in-Law Donald Eugene “Jake” Hedler.

Dennis is survived by Angela Engel, Abbotsford, Kristin (Rob) McMahon, Stoddard, Megan Engel, Brice Prairie, and special Nephew Michael (Louise) Hackel; grandchildren, Robby McMahon, III, Reagan, Madisyn & Kenadie Schraufnagel, Jaxson & Avonlea, Godson Hunter Hackel and Special great-Niece 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.

A mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday November 24, 2021, at 10:45 am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby, WI. Father D. Joseph Redfern will officiate. Lunch will be served immediately following the service. All are welcome to attend. A private family burial will be performed in the near future.

Family and friends are invited for visitation on Tuesday November 23, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 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.

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 & generosity.

Online condolences can be made to www.maurinaschilling.com. 

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