Leo Patrick "Pat" Engel
May 18, 1932 - December 6, 2022
Leo Patrick "Pat" Engel, 90, of South Sioux City, NE, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at his home surrounded by his children. Pat was a humble man who didn't like to "toot his own horn," so we will do it for him. Leo Pat was born at 6:00 A.M. on May 18, 1932 to Catherine "Katie" and John Engel in South Sioux City, Nebraska, the sixth child of eight. He was born early in the day so he could get busy with all of the things he would accomplish, all the people he would meet, and the love he would share. He graduated from South Sioux City public schools and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Nebraska National Guard. Upon graduation, Pat served in the United States Air Force, where he worked as an intelligence officer. He married the love of his life, Donna Dee (Smith) Engel on September 6, 1952 and they were married almost 68 years before she died January 22, 2021. To this union, five favorite children were born; Kathie, Kim, Jeff, Julie, and Mike.
Pat and Dee were stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany while on active duty in the Air Force. When his time in the Air Force was coming to a close, he was offered a job in the Central Intelligence Agency, but with three kids in tow, family came first and they moved back to South Sioux City where he began a decades-long career as a State Farm Insurance agent. To say he was successful in this job would be an understatement. His personality, intelligence and ability to connect with every person he met with humor and compassion was legendary. He served his community as a member of both the St. Michael's and South Sioux City school boards; as a Dakota County Commissioner and in 1993 was appointed to the Nebraska Legislature where he served until 2009. In the Legislature, he served as the Chair of the Executive Board, a member of Appropriations Committee, and a national board member of American Legislative Exchange Council.
Pat was also active in Sertoma, Cardinal Foundation, Siouxland National Bank, Knights of Columbus (where he was a Fourth degree Grand Knight), St. Michael's Catholic Church (as a long-time lector), he also served as a Lector in the Catholic Church of Mesa, Arizona where Dee and Pat spent winters for 14 years, the American Legion and Trinity Heights, and others too numerous to mention.
His spirit of adventure was legendary, he parachuted out of a plane in his eighties (forgot to tell Dee beforehand because he didn't' want her mad at him). Earlier this Fall, he was the last man to leave his granddaughter Claire's wedding reception. Pat lived a remarkable life, was a lifelong learner, and impacted so many. He always said the past is good for two things; good memories and lessons learned. He was a man of great faith and knew who he was and what he stood for. We thank him for the memories, for the fun, and for the love and for the lessons learned.
He is survived by his children: Kathleen (Anders) Backlund, Kimberly (Rich) McLaughlin, Jeffrey Engel, Julia (Jay) Holmquist, Mike (Denise) Engel, and bonus son Bruce (Bridget) Davis and godsons Adam Davis and Nicholas Davis; five grandchildren: Mark (Jena) Meyer, Shelly (Matt) Jordan, David Engel, Claire (Jay) Wiens, Anna Holmquist; two great-grandchildren Austin Patrick and Ryker Michael Jordan; nieces, nephews, and thousands of friends. He was preceded in Heaven by his beloved wife, Donna Dee; grandsons Patrick Michael McLaughlin and Christopher Michael Engel; brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and beloved friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 A.M. Monday, December 12, 2022 at St. Michael's Catholic Church followed by military graveside honors at St. Michael's Cemetery, both in South Sioux City, NE. Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a Vigil Service at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home. The service will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/o0Wsh6jtm4A. Online condolences can be expressed at www.meyerbroschapels.com. Memorials can be directed to St. Michael's Catholic School scholarship fund in Pat's name, Trinity Heights Queen of Peace Shrine, or donor's choice.
When Irish Eyes are smiling, sure 'tis like the morn in Spring. In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing…..
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Arlene scott
December 15, 2022
Pat you and Dee will always be in my heart. You were a very special couple to both Brian and I and our sons , their wives and all my grandchildren. We will forever miss you. Say hi to Brian and Buddy up there as I´m sure you will see them. Love you and will remember you forever
Doug & DArcy Anderson
December 12, 2022
We were so saddened to hear of Pat's passing. We knew him & Dee as residents of Mountain View Estates. He was such a delightful person, always with a smile and kind word.
He will be missed here in the park.
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Roger Wehrbein
December 12, 2022
Pat was a good Senator and a great friend.He served his country and state well. I enjoyed working and serving with him.RIP and my condolences.
Kenner & Marcia Lees
December 11, 2022
We got to know Pat & Dee as snowbirds in Mesa, Az. Just a wonderful loving couple & have many memories from our time there . Our deepest condolences to all the family.
Rick and Chris Roncka
December 10, 2022
Love and prayers from the Roncka family! I have pics of your folks visiting us in Loveland Colorado while we were building our home! Truly the finest, loving people to walk this earth! Heaven welcomed your Dad to join your beautiful Mom!
Mike Probst
December 9, 2022
Pat and Dee were my "18th street parents" as I was at their home as much as Mike was at my house in grade school. I felt like I was just another sibling there. Pat wrote my first house policy and my life insurance policy that I still have. I will be missed.
Marc S
December 9, 2022
Thank you for your military service
Linda Spitzer
December 9, 2022
We´re very sorry to hear of Uncle Pat passing but the celebration going on now in Heaven is like no other.
Linda Spitzer
Jerry Wagner
December 9, 2022
I first met Pat in 1964 as a new claim rep for State Farm. We worked together until I moved to Colorado in 1984. We had many great times together and even reconnected a few tmesin AZ . He and Dee shared the same anniversary date as NAncy and I.
He was a great family man and friend. My sympathy to his family.
Pamela Bobier Siefken
December 9, 2022
Wonderful words about one of the happiest men I have ever known. He had one of the biggest hearts, best laughs and 5 of the best "kids"! I love you all-"Bobier"
Jim Sullivan
December 8, 2022
Pat and I traveled to Dallas together for a State Farm meeting in Dallas many years ago. He was a fun person to get to know and I was pleased to spend a few days with him. The sad part of retirement is losing touch with your friends. A little Jameson toast to Pat.
Tip O´Neill
December 8, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Pat was a wonderful person with a heart of gold. He will be missed!
Tip O´Neill
Marc S
December 8, 2022
Thank you for your military service
Sharon and Dennis Nelson
December 8, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Are thoughts and prayers are with the family! He was a great person and always so happy!
Shelly
December 7, 2022
He is a dear friend of mine and he will be remembered and missed we love u pat Rest Easy My Dear Friend !
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Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home - South Sioux City1431 W 29th St, South Sioux City, NE 68776
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Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home - South Sioux City1431 W 29th St, South Sioux City, NE 68776
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Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home - South Sioux City1431 W 29th St, South Sioux City, NE 68776
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