Wilfred Engel entered into eternal life on April 29th, 2022, in Colby, KS. He was a Christmas baby being born December 24th, 1927, at home in Sheridan County, Kansas to Peter & Amelia Rupp Engel.
Being the 9th of 11 children, Wilfred learned the ins and outs of being onery. Several stories have been shared about Wilfred’s early antics with skunks, standing on horseback rides, sledding down hills using shovels, etc. Wilfred had an incredible memory and was able to share many stories late into life, with many commenting on this rare quality.
Wilfred’s early education was in a 1-room county schoolhouse and finished his education in Grainfield, Kansas. Wilfred learned about farming early in life when his brothers served in WWII and the Korean War.
Wilfred decided to settle down in 1957 and married Donna Lou Kraus, a music teacher from Andale, KS. To this union were born 8 children and Wilfred & Donna celebrated 65 years of marriage on March 2nd, 2022.
Wilfred was very proud of the farm that he had built on the wind-swept plains of Western Kansas. Wilfred jokingly and lovingly called his farm “The Poor Farm.” Wilfred enjoyed working his land and taking care of his cattle and took satisfaction in a long day's work. The farm looks very different today from where it started. Wilfred was a forward-thinking farmer, being one of the first in the area to terrace for water retention and flood irrigation. Education of his children was also a priority, and he took great pride in ensuring that all of his children received a college education.
Wilfred and Donna had the opportunity to travel to most of the states, and to visit Germany where his ancestors originated. Visiting, telling stories, and playing cards brought special pleasure.
Wilfred was preceded by his parents, in-laws, his brothers: Clarence, Ignatius, Henry, Joe, Ralph, Paul, and Felix Engel: and his sisters: Flizita Kaiser, Mary Prewo, Mary Adeline, and Gertrude Parsons.
Wilfred was the last surviving member of his siblings. Wilfred is survived by his wife Donna; children: Dave (Bonnie) Engel, Jolene (Ted) Robinette, Leah (Dan) Davied, Steve (Anne) Engel, Cynthia (Alan) Smith, Sheryl (Clay) Appl, Dan (Chrissy) Engel, and Ron Engel; 23 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 4 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Angelus with Fr. Luke Thielen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 3, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at the church.
Memorials to the Seminarian Fund - Salina Diocese may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS 67748.
Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com