Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael L. Engel, a loving husband, devoted father, and respected member of the community, on November 26, 2024, at the age of 71.
Michael was born on August 31, 1953, in New York to William F. Engel Jr. and Anne Bryant. After graduation from high School, Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was a crew chief on the F4 Phantom II and T38; an FTD (Field Training Detachment) Aircraft Instructor and a Technical Data NCOIC for the B52 Aircraft and Equipment where he retired after serving 22 years. Michael also did one tour in Desert Storm.
Michael’s favorite hobbies were softball, bowling and golf. He could always be seen in the kitchen cooking up a huge Thanksgiving meal for the family, but Christmas was his favorite holiday. He would dress up as Santa Claus for many charitable organizations. For him, seeing all the little children’s eyes light up and the smiles on their faces always brought him joy during the season.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Engel, two daughters, Angela McDonald, and Amber Caldwell, four sons; Vernon Bolin, Jeff Bolin, Brian Bolin and Benjamin Bolin; one brother Glenn Engel (Mary Engel) and two sisters Linda Bildusas (Rimas Bildusas) and Leeann Engel; many nephews, nieces and grandchildren.
A burial of ashes will follow in March 2025 at Willamette National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to Healing Paws for Warriors. Their website is listed as: https://www.healingpawsforwarriors.org/