MENDOTA — Edmund Francis Engels passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012.
He was born at the family farm south of Mendota on Aug. 16, 1927, to Joseph and Mary Catherine (Sondgeroth) Engels. After graduating from Saint Bede Academy, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Occupied Japan. His tour of duty there included blowing up kamikaze air bases and clearing debris for the construction of new homes. He spoke fondly through the years of his service in Tokyo, his assistance in the reconstruction of the country, and most importantly of his appreciation of the Japanese people and their culture.
His interest in travel began with his tour of duty in Japan. He travelled throughout the United States and Europe and encouraged a love of travel in his children. Another fondness that he passed along to his children was a love of nature and animals. He loved gardening and donated much of the produce to food pantries. He was always willing to volunteer to help others in any way he could.
Ed farmed most of his life on the family farm and worked at Wayside Press in the bindery until his retirement.
On May 28, 1949, Ed married the love of his life, Virginia Mary Mentgen, in Saint Joseph's Church, Peru. Virginia preceded him in death on Jan. 9, 1997. They raised six children on the family farm near Peterstown.
He is survived by five children, Cheryl Bird of Mendota, Phyllis (Walter) Felts of Des Plaines, Marianne (James) Lippold of Ottawa, Thomas Engels of LaSalle and Gregory (Ambrosia) Engels of LaSalle; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virgie, in 1997; one son, Theodore "Ted" on Sept. 18, 1977; his parents; three brothers in infancy; four brothers, Joseph, Arthur, Leo and Raymond; and four sisters, Helen Arndt, Mary Engels, Philomena Henkel and Laura Pakenham.
The wake will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, with a prayer service at 4 p.m. at the Schwarz Funeral Home, Mendota. A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Church, Mendota, with the Rev. Gary Blake officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be John Bird, Kevin and Walter Felts, Steve Knogl, Benjamin and James Lippold, and Tom Zolper.
The family would like to thank the staff at Stonecroft for their excellent care while he resided there this last year.
Memorials may be directed to the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry or VFW Post 4079.