Thomas Lee Engel Obituary
Thomas Lee Engel, 76, of Ellensburg, WA and Apache Junction, AZ passed away April 29, 2016 in Apache Junction. After being under a doctor’s care for the month of April, Thomas passed away of Pneumonia and a fast growing cancer on his 76th birthday. Mr. Engel was born on April 29, 1940 in Gordon, NE to parents William Henry and Pearl Louise Engel. Thomas, a retired Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class, spent 20 years in the US Navy before returning to work as a custodian at Central Washington University, a processor in a fish processing plant in Alaska, and milking cows at Winegar’s Dairy in Ellensburg. Mr. Engel was a hunter and loved when he could get away into the hills north of town. With the help of friends and family, Thomas built a hunting cabin which he used mostly for relaxation. He also enjoyed going to the casinos with his sister-in-law Sue. Mr. Engel is survived by his wife, Elwanda Engel, of 50 years; their daughter, Roberta Engel; 3 daughters from a previous marriage, Debbie (Kenny) Hunt, Susan (Bill) Lund, and Sharon (Dan) Jonassen; 2 brothers, Bob and Bill Engel; one sister, Anna Scott; 2 sisters-in-law, Sue Taylor and Lindell (Frank) Smith; 9 grandchildren, Mitch (Emily) Engel, Aimee Lane, Travis Hunt, Kendall (Blane) McColley, Derek Lund, Sydney Lund, Amanda Panattoni, Mathew (Sarah) Panattoni, and Katelyn Jonassen; as well as 9 ¾ great-grandchildren. Mr. Engel was preceded in death by his son, Tony Engel; 2 sisters, Virginia Kling and Merna Minor; and his parents. There will be two memorial services held for Thomas. The first will be held at Harmony Community Baptist Church, 10701 E Boulder Dr, Mesa, AZ 85220, on Friday, May 13, 2016 at 11:00am. The second will be held at Chestnut Street Baptist Church, 609 N Chestnut St, Ellensburg, WA 98926, on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 1:00pm. The family has requested no flowers please. Arrangements are being handled by Superstition Cremation & Funeral Services (480) 982-2727.