Kenneth “Kenny”, “Ken”, “Red” Leroy Engel, age 88 of Broadus passed away on March 11, 2016 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus, MT
Kenneth Engel was born to John A. and Katherine “Katie” (Rhode) Engel on September 16, 1927 at 5 am in the town of Chadron in Dawes County, Nebraska. Kenny was born the third of 4 sons, Harold, Paul, Kenneth, Arnold. He was raised on the family ranch on the Niobrara River, ½ mile from Dunlap, NE. Kenny rode his horse to country school and then attended and graduated from Chadron High School. He played basketball and football in high school. He spent much time in the hay fields, swimming in the river, hunting and fishing. He helped with the Hereford cattle and the pigs there on the ranch. Kenneth loved horses and rode many different ones throughout his lifetime.
He married the love of his life, Laura Iona Wilkins on March 1, 1947. They danced to Lawrence Welk on their wedding night. Five daughters were born to this union and they grew up on the family ranch. Selling watermelon in the driveway, 4-H, waterskiing, fishing, hunting rabbits and stock car racing were some of the interests during those years. Kenny also joined the B.P.O.E. (Elks) and at his death was a lifetime member.
In the fall of 1966, Kenny, his wife and 4 of the daughters moved to a ranch on highway 59 near Broadus, MT. Snowmobiling, hunting, fishing and music became the pastime. They also managed the Three K Supper Club near Broadus for a time. Kenny knew how to cook a steak to perfection.
The opportunity to move to Anchorage Alaska came in early 1972. He and Iona traveled the Alcan Highway from Broadus, MT to Anchorage where they lived a short while. Kenny worked at the Air Force Base as a civilian in charge of the horse stables. During this time he and his wife were in a snowmobile club that helped direct traffic for the Iditarod. He and Iona then made their home in Kenai, AK. Kenny worked for the oil industry moving rigs and making ice roads on the ocean. He worked on Rig 18E in Prudhoe Bay, AK and commuted by small plane to and from Kenai. He spent many hours videoing the beautiful Alaska countryside and was lucky enough to video a polar bear that visited the oil field camp. When the salmon were “running” you could find Kenny on the Kenai River with his line in the water waiting to hook another big salmon.
Retirement came and with it plenty of time and plenty of Kids and Grandkids to spend it with. In the fall of 1991, Kenny and Iona started the first of many years of “Snowbirding” to Yuma, Arizona. There they lived in a Park Model on an 18 hole golf course through the winter months. Kenny won the Men’s League Championship in 2000 and he carried a 6 handicap.
His wife, Iona, of almost 52 years passed away in 1999.
Kenny continued the journey of spring and fall travel from Broadus to Yuma. In the summer would spend many hours with his kids, grandkids and now great grandkids. He enjoyed watching them grow up and attended all the activities he could. His favorite name was “Grandpa”.
In 2014 he sold the Yuma property and spent 10 months in Texas with his daughter, Judy. He then moved back home to Broadus in the fall of 2015. Broadus is the place he always called home. Almost always when asked how his day was going he would respond “Every day is a good day for me.”
He is survived by his 5 daughters, Linda and Tom Yeradi of Chadron, NE; Shirley and Charlie Russell and Patty and Vic Phillippi of Broadus, MT; Judy Mellor of Frisco, TX; Dianne Engel of Broadus, MT., 12 Grandchildren, 24 Great-Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Iona; His parents; 3 brothers; a son-in-law, Jay Mellor; a grandson, Davy Richards, a granddaughter, Katie Russell and a great-grandson, Traven Trusler.
Should friends desire memorials should be made to; St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Scramble for a Cure Cancer Fund, c/o Tyler Gardner, 20 Gardner Rd., Ashland MT 59003.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus, MT. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 14, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Faith Bible Church in Broadus, MT. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus, MT. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday March 13, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday March 13, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Judy Serbousek Hinman says
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you at this time of you loss.
Interestingly, my husband and I live close to Judy as we live in Richardson, TX.
Jan Skyberg says
Ken was a great neighbor in Yuma. He always greeted you with his wonderful smile. I think of him every time I golf…I have a couple of his golf clubs that he sold to me…great memories. Jan &Paul Skyberg
Kenny and Kelly Babb says
Sorry for your loss. We sent prayers and condolences.
Lisa Gaskill says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories keep a smile on your face.
Marie Farrar says
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed but you have him still in your memories. God bless.
Pat Smith says
Thoughts and prayers for Ken’s daughters and their families. May your many good memories sustain you in your time of grief and in the years to come.
Robbin Stoddard says
The Engel family has been a part of my life since childhood, and as patriarch of the family, Ken has always held a special place in my heart. My most heartfelt condolences to each of you, and prayers are lifting each of you up during this time of loss and grief.
Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
Please know that you are all in our thoughts & Prayers, especially during this difficult time. Hope all your memories will sustain you.
Janet Schneider says
Remember Grandpa coming to Wright and spending a few days with Larry and Robin. Robin would always come to work and brag about the excellent food that Grandpa just made. Ken will be missed. May God be with the family. In my prayers.
Sharon Thompson says
So sorry for your loss. In my thoughts and prayers.
He will be remembered and missed. Hugs to the family
Ern,Esther and Terry Nelson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, his family, We got t o taste those steaks at the supper club , and Ern says he never has had one that great since . My God Be With Each of you !!!
Karen Gunther says
My thoughts are with all of your family, I know you will be missed , but you have many memories to share forever, rest in peace Ken.
Skin and Betty Collins says
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers sent to all of you. We had some good times with them. Your mom was such a good cook and we loved his story telling. They were good people.
Sally Borla says
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PLEASE KNOW THAT MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU–GOD BLESS, PATRICIA HANLAN
Audrey Snodgrass says
I am sorry for your great loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.