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William Engel Obituary
June 23, 1930
August 19, 2011
Beloved husband, father and grandfather and long time Reno resident Bill Engel passed away peacefully after a valiant fight late on Aug.19, 2011.
Bill was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., June 23, 1930. He moved to Reno with his parents, Abe and Hattye Engel in 1946, graduating from Reno High in1948 and UNR.
He joined the Nevada Highway Department and in1974 was named executive assistant to the Highway Engineer. In1979 he left his position with the Highway Department to accept the appointment as commander of the Nevada National Guard.
Engel's miliarty service began in Reno with his1950 USAR enlistment. In 1953 he was commissioned as a second lieutenant from ROTC at UNR, and entered active duty in1953. He was released in1955 and transferred to the USAR school system and performed as an active reservist from1955 until appointed captain in the Nevada Army Guard,1961. He was a graduate of the U.S. Army War College,1979.
Bill was a member of the Rotary Clubs of Carson City and Reno, where he was president, 1999-2000. He was a long time member of the Boy Scout Board, receiving their Silver Beaver Award, 1976. He was honored by the Nevada Day Committee for his many hours of service; in 1982 he received recognition for serving as chairman of the Combined Federal Campaign and for his dedicated service to the northern Nevada Chaper of the United Way; in 1984-85 he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sierra NV chapter, of the American Red Cross.
After retiring, he continued these and many other affiliations. He loved golf and time with his his wife, Sharon; his only daughter, Laurie, her husband, Todd and grandsons, James, 19 and Mikey, 16, Salt Lake City, all of whom adored him. He also enjoyed travel abroad, cruises and his little dogs, Beau and Roxie.
The family wishes to thank Lend A Hand, Infinity Hospice Care and Home Away From Home for their care and kindness to Bill in his final days. Thanks to neighbors who were friends to Bill and his dogs on their daily walks. A very special thanks to fellow Rotarian, Jim Backoff.
A small, private military service was conducted by Chaplain Harold Woomer, MAJ, of the Nevada National Guard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.
Job well done, General, time to rest Our love is with you forever.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Engel
5 Entries
John Hefner
August 31, 2011
Major General Engel was my first Adjutant General. I remember being a young private and scared to met the "AG". He was well respected. My deepest sympathy to all of his family.
CSM (r) John Hefner
August 29, 2011
Sharon I know the sorrow that you and the family is feeling right now, but try to think of your loss as him being in a better place, no pain or confusion
and things would never have improved but only worsened. With those thoughts in mind about Charlie it makes me accept his passing a little less painful. You are in my thoughts and prayers and my heart has always been full of love for you for many, many years. May God Bless you in these days ahead for you. Edna C.
Kay and Rook Shank
August 27, 2011
Sharon, We just returned fom a 40 day 7,000mile driving trip to the east coast and just got home today. Our darghter-in law suffered an aneurism and had brain surgery the 21 of July and has recovered very well an is going through rehabilitation sessions but we were very fortunate. needless to say we had to alter our trip plan to help care for her and the kids. Having lost my oldest sister to this dreaded alzheimers disease 2 years ago I know the devestation of seeing it progress! Our deepest sympathy for your loss of Bill, and we know he is out of pain and is whole again,which is a grand reward. Do let us hear from you often ! Hugs Rook and Kay Shank
Jennifer Tosolini-Luedtke
August 25, 2011
Sharon,
My deepest condolences for your loss. I know that both my mother and father (Ollie & Ensio (Toss) Tosolini) had the greatest respect for Bill.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Luedtke
August 25, 2011
I am saddened to learn of Bill's death. My condolences to his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Laurie. I shall look back one the good times we enjoyed and his efforts in getting me a ride in a Nevada Air Guard Phantom, F-4. Thanks for those memories. Jim Jeffers, Jr.
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