Ward A. Engel
June 26, 1948 ~ June 2, 2019
On Sunday, June 2, 2019, Ward Allen Engel peacefully passed into his heavenly home with his family at his side after a month-long battle with ARDS.
Ward was born on June 26, 1948 in Pierre, South Dakota to Orlin (Les) and Vivian Engel. After marrying Donna Jean Stowell on May 28, 1967, he began a career in financial services that they would manage together for 47 years. They raised their family in White Bear Lake and shared lasting friendships with their treasured neighbors and church friends. Ward enjoyed playing pinochle with the 6th Street gang, tennis with the Rogers crew, and working on projects in his garage. He was a talented woodworker and handyman who never hesitated to help others. Also an avid explorer, he often toured the U.S. in his motorhome and Honda scooter. During his final trip this winter, he travelled over 6,500 miles while visiting relatives and friends along the way.
Ward was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; parents Les and Vivian; sister, Beverly Conley; and brother, William. He is survived by his children, Dawn (Eric) Bartsch and Shawn (Gwendolyn); granddaughters, Faith and Kayla Bartsch, Kristiana and Kaitlyn Engel; brother, Steven (Terri); and many relatives and friends. Ward was known as a gentle, humorous, and faithful man who showed his love through his actions. He will be deeply missed by the many loved ones he leaves behind, yet they rejoice knowing he is eternally united with Jesus, Donna, and so many more dear ones.
A remembrance open house will be held at the Oneka Community Room at Hugo City Hall on Sunday, July 7, 2019 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Ward was my cousin, a few years younger than I, but we spent quite a bit of time together growing up. His family would spend time each summer at our grandma’s place, and we explored the small town of Harrold and the surrounding landscape on our bikes. Donna was the light of his life, and that light went out when she passed, and he was a lost spirit, never seeming to recover from losing his love and best friend. Ward, we miss you, and the only consolation is that you are now with Donna again, no more pain or sickness will touch either of you. God Bless.