"I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. What a gentle man he was -- always with a smile and a friendly greeting. His picture says it all... I pray that your family will find peace and comfort in the many wonderful memories you have from your time together. He was truly a model for how to live life in service to family and others. With deepest sympathy.... Pat & Dianne (Lindhart) Burke, Green Valley, AZ"
In loving memory of
John T Engel
May 11, 1923 - September 10, 2019
Williamsburg-John Thede Engel was born May 11, 1923 in Bennett, Iowa, the son of John G. And Ella Nora (Thede) Engel. He graduated from Bennett High School, attended Wentworth Military Acadamy, then the University of Iowa until he entered the United States Army serving from 1943 to 1946. John returned home to finish his education graduating with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy. John was united in marriage to Adella Jane Peterson on September 20, 1944 in Williamsburg. To this union they were blessed with five children. Adella died May 17, 1993. John later was united in marriage to Virginia Lee Peterson on October 27, 1997 in Burlington. Virginia died August 28, 2010. John and Adella owned and operated Peterson Drug for many years, until their son Kenneth purchased the family business. John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder. He served on the Williamsburg City Council and was Mayor of Williamsburg for eight years. He was a member of the Iburg Poulson VFW Post #8797, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge and the Iowa Pharmacy Association. He enjoyed fishing, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, woodworking, collecting coins and stamps.
John passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at the Highland Ridge Care Center in Williamsburg at the age of 96.
He is survived by five children, Kenneth (Schael) Engel of Williamsburg, Nancy Engel of Edina, MN, Dr. Michael (Chris) Engel of Glen Allen, VA, David (Jane) Engel of Marshalltown and Jan (Scott) Evans of Ft. Collins, CO; 7 grandchildren, Joshua (Colleen) Engel, Erica Engel,Vanessa Engel, Jason Engel, Sean Engel, Bradley Evans and Amanda Evans; 2 great grandchildren, Ailbhe and Cennydd; three step children: Pamela (Paul) Thompson of Roanoke Ind. Marsha (James) Mazour of Dexter, and Debora (Brian) Myers of Madrid; 10 step grandchildren and a number of step great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, both wives, a brother Wallace Engel and a stepson Keith Peterson, Jr.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery with Military Rites by Iburg Poulson VFW Post #8797. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg.
There will be a Masonic Service followed by a VFW Service at 7:00 pm Monday. In Lieu of flowers memorial may be given to University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Foundation, Iburg Pouslon VFW Post #8797 or Williamsburg Lions Club. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"To the Engel family, the Roehrkasse family would like to pass along our sincerest condolences on the passing of John. What a wonderful man and what a cornerstone of the Williamsburg community John has been over these many years. Whenever we would visit "The Burg" it was always special if we would meet John and have the opportunity to talk with him. He would talk of his love of family, love of the Williamsburg community and of course his love of the University of Iowa and the "Hawkeyes". When you thought of the west side of the square thoughts immediately turned to Peterson Drug and John behind the drug counter. His service to the community was immense and from our perspective helped to make the Burg special. He will be missed for sure , but he will be missed with a true fondness for the man he was and the love he passed on to all of us. He was a great man, a veteran, a titan of the community and it won't quite be the same as John now goes home. The Roehrkasses, Larry and Karol, John and Nancy, Don and Ann"
"I am so sorry to hear of John?s death . I know what a hole it leaves in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with the family."
"I will always remember how kind John was to my grandmother who lived across the street from the Engel family for many years. He was a wonderful neighbor. Sympathies to his family and friends. Marti Harris Marvin"
"What a wonderful man John was. This picture is how he was all the time, always smiling and helpful to all. My sympathy to all of his family. May he rest in peace. Amen. Jan Bringmann"
"My white knight, devoted husband & family man. I have no doubt this wonderful man has the best vantage point for the Hawks game now and forever more. Sympathies to all those who loved and cared for him. He will be greatly missed by me and countless others."
"The smile on the picture you have with Johns obituary is exactly how I remember him many years ago when I lived in Williamsburg. He was a pillar in the community and a man who was admired by many of us. To his children-you were blessed to have him as a father and I know you will miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Margaret Watkins Fett Maplewood Mn"
"It was an honor and a privilege to have known John. He never knew a stranger, always had time to stop and visit when he saw you. "
"Every community needs a John Engel. The world would be a better place. Richard and Marilyn Austin"
"What a pleasure to know John. An interesting fella who genuinely cared about others. Always a great story to tell and a great listener. A positive man who always felt blessed with the life he lead! I have been blessed to have known him. "
"I remember growing up that we'd attend Good News Club at church on Thursday's after school and John was our table parent. He would pray with us; tell us to go get a snack; and ask about our day, school, sports. He was genuinely interested and was a good role model. He lived a life of service and will be deeply missed. My sincerest condolences to his family. -GJ "
"My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of your loss. May the Lord give you Peace. ? "