In Memoriam ~ Stephen Engels ’64

Stephen Engels ’64

Stephen Edmund Engels ’64 died on Sunday, May 6, 2018, after a short struggle with cancer. He is survived by Terry, his wife of 51 years, and beloved children, Bridget George (Edward), Luke, John (Christine), Clare Miller (John), Stephen (Olga), Nicholas (Melanie), Andrew (Amanda), Paul (Kelli), and Elizabeth (Nolan); his sister Jane Tschida (Paul), and brothers Peter and Robert (Jill). His much-loved parents were Robert and Marjorie Engels. His appreciation for good books, read aloud, is remembered fondly by 14 grandchildren.
Steve was born on December 23,1945, in Platteville, Wisconsin. His family also lived in South Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, SD, and Interlachen Park in Hopkins, where he spent most of his youth. He graduated from Saint John’s Prep in 1964 and Marquette University four years later.

He married Terry Rice, also of Interlachen Park, in 1967, and began their family. In the mid 1970’s they moved to St. Cloud where they still live.

Steve loved the Word, whether expressed in fiction, drama, poetry, or Scripture. He and Terry bought Pik A Book store, in downtown Saint Cloud and operated it for many years. They branched into publishing beginning with his collection A Minnesota Christmas Anthology, and especially including Just Before Christmas, a collection of children’s stories. Most recently, he contributed his time volunteering with the bookstore at the St. Cloud Public Library. Steve loved world travel, he had a great sense of humor, and always looked forward to fishing with his grandkids. He enjoyed research into a variety of topics, most importantly insights into the New Testament, and original work on the gospel of Mark.

Steve died peacefully at home. His family surrounded him during his last days thanks to the efforts of the Centracare Hospice Program, for which they are grateful. Thanks are also due to the careful kind treatment he received from the Coborn Cancer Center and the staff of St. Cloud Hospital.

Visitation will be at the Williams Dingmann Funeral Home, 1900 Veterans Drive, St Cloud, on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, in downtown St. Cloud. Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Church, Shafer, MN, on Friday. Memorials can be directed to the charity of your choice.