Obit: Engel, Raymond D. (1926 - 2007)

Transcribed by: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Engel, Rassmussen, Semling, Latzig, Alft, Kunkel, Rajek, Mohrland, Adamec, Klemm

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln Co., Wis.) Wednesday, 12 Dec. 2007; Page 9

---Engel, Raymond D. (17 Aug. 1926 - 9 Dec. 2007)

Raymond D. Engel

Raymond D. Engel, 81, of 2108A Sturdevant St., Merrill, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.

Raymond was born Aug. 17, 1926, to the late Linhardt and Martha Rassmussen Engel. On Sept. 27, 1947, he married his best friend, Elaine Weber Engel.

Growing up, Ray worked on the family farm (in the past has been the former Seegers Dairy where he would deliver milk in glass bottles for eight cents a quart. He loved animals and playing in the dirt. Many times he told stories about playing with the family dog. The two toys he enjoyed playing with were his Fordson tractor and Mack truck, which was given to him by his oldest brother Barney. In 1937, when Hwy 64 was being rebuilt, his attention of the bulldozers running up and down triggered his first love for excavating. Ray held several jobs, working at Ritter Saw Mill, Drott Manufacturing, and Merrill Gravel and Construction. Ray was a prominent business owner from 1953-1979, owning Engel Construction and a partner in Engel Brothers Logging. Excavating was Ray's dream job. He was especially proud of the roads he built in the Newwood area and remembered each one.

Some of the sites Ray excavated were Les & Jim's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Otter Lake Campground and many roads in the surrounding areas. Don Semling employed Ray for the road building in Newwood, which became quite extensive. Wausau Paper eventually bought the property and Ray continued to build roads for them. He knew all of the roads he had built and the surrounding areas so well that some of his friends took Ray along for directions, even though he was blind and could not see the roads. His memory was remarkable. Many of the farmers in the area used Ray's expertise to develop their land. Ray enjoyed the homemade meals the farmers' wives cooked while he was on the job.

Ray was involved with Trinity Lutheran Church as an Elder and usher. Ray was chairman of the Building Committee and clerk of the Scott School Board. Having the school built was one of his proudest moments. Visiting was one of his favorite pastimes, with his friends and anyone who would listen to his many stories. Ray was part of the "Long Ago in Merrill," which was part of the Scott School book that the second graders wrote.

Ray and Elaine traveled extensively with their long-time friends, Warren and Lois Latzig. Their travels included Hawaii, Mexico, California and Las Vegas. Warren would pick Ray up for coffee at the local restaurants and sometimes would stay half a day because they always had so much to talk about and met so many people that each of them knew. The four of them talked about these travels up until Ray passed away. They had such good times and always got along. You knew if Ray was your friend and would be a friend forever.

Ray and Elaine enjoyed camping at Northforest Campgrounds for many years and had many, many good friends and acquaintances. His family meant a lot to him, and he was proud of all his children and grandchildren, and their families. He and Elaine helped each of their children as they saw fit by digging basements for their new homes and giving advice when asked. They did not intrude in their children's lives, however they gave advice when asked. Ray will be greatly missed by his whole family, for he was a respectful, trustworthy and loving man.

Survivors include Elaine, his wife of 60 years, Merrill; children Janice (Jim) Alft, Gloria (Robert) Kunkel, Debra Engel-Rajek, Pamela (Gene) Mohrland, Gerald (Kim) Engel, and Brenda (Dan) Adamec, all of Merrill; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Albert, Halmer, Art, Otto, Clarence and George; and son-in-law Wayne Rajek.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. David Klemm will officiate. Burial will follow in Snow Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, at the Waid Funeral Home, Merrill, and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

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