God, in his infinite wisdom and love, called to himself in Heaven, the soul of James Edward Engel, on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the age of 66. His pilgrimage on Earth ended with his 3 daughters, Jessie, Kelly, and Tiffany by his side.
A gathering will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 am – 1 pm, with a devotional service at 11 am, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Pastor Rod Pudell will officiate.
James Edward Engel Jr. was born on August 28, 1957, in Racine, WI, to James Edward Engel Sr. and Norma Rose (Hasz) Engel. He was baptized on September 15,1957, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and made heir to eternal life. Jim attended Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, WI, for three years, and graduated from New Ulm Senior High School, on June 3, 1976. He attended Area Vocational Institute of Granite Falls, MN, where Jim met Lori Conrad, his future wife. He graduated with a degree in Hydraulics Engineering Technology in May 1979. Jim married Lori, on May 19, 1979, at Highwater Lutheran Church in Lamberton, MN. The Lord blessed this union, with three daughters: Jessica, Kelly, and Tiffany. He was employed as Hydraulics Technician at Eaton Corporation in Eden Prairie, MN, and in later years, as technician at Acist Medical Systems, until Lori’s health & his health declined. Jim’s hobbies included fishing, woodworking, mechanics, and gardening.
Upon their move to Shakopee, MN, the Engel family joined Mt. Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1980. Jim was a faithful member of this congregation. He volunteered his time, talents, and energy, in many capacities, until his health began to decline. Despite suffering in recent years, Jim’s faith in God’s will for his life wasn’t shaken. In his last days, he stated, “God owns my soul.”
Jim is survived by his children, Jessie (Chad) Lind, Kelly Engel, Tiffany (Dan Litz) Engel; grandchildren, Zak & Anelia (Kelly & Jeff), Colton (Jessie & Chad), Lilly (Tiffany & Dan); sisters, Mary (Peter) Geis, Joan (Richard) Mueller; nieces, nephews, and many other relatives.
Jim was preceded in death by wife, Lori; granddaughter, Peyton (Kelly & Jeff); father & mother, James & Norma Engel; and sister, Katy. We sorrow at his departure from us; however, rejoice at his entrance into Heaven, where all believers in Christ, will finally be reunited forever in the presence of God.
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me, will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
