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Christian Engel Obituary
ENGEL, Christian
Of German descent, born in Russia on August 15, 1921, died peacefully at his home in Fair Oaks on January 22, 2007. Christian was a prominent builder in the Sacramento area who was respected, admired and loved by his peers, family, friends and customers. He was a long-time member of the Building Industry Association. He designed and built custom homes and developments in the Sacramento area including Engel Terrace, Walnut Grove Estates, and Crestview Estates. Christian Engel Homes was known for quality construction and participated in many BIA Home Tours through the years. For the last 40 years Christian resided in the home he built in Fair Oaks surrounded by his vineyard, fruit trees and heritage oaks. He enjoyed making wine from his own grapes, swimming, boating, water and snow skiing, playing chess, tinkering in his woodshop, and spending time with his family. He was a generous man with a tremendous sense of humor whose life was filled with adventure. He is survived by his son Hans Engel and daughter-in-law Cynthia, his daughter Gitta Vaughan, his daughter Annette Roberts and son-in-law Randy, his daughters Dr. Delphine Engel and Stephanie Engel; his grandchildren Jay, Jonathan, Marissa, Brandan, and Heather; and his former wife and longtime friend, Liesel Engel. He will be forever missed by his family. Papa, we love you. Services will be private and will be held in the vineyard that he so dearly loved.
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Jerry Bunch
May 5, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I knew Mr. Engel only briefly, I had stopped by to view his property in 2004 and inquire about his interest in dividing it. (I work in real estate). Mr. Engel was so nice, he showed me around and gave me a tour of his shop and some of his exotic wood working machines. It was a real pleasure talking with him.
Alena Roberts
March 4, 2007
Dear Engel Family,
I want to express my best wishes to you all! I am so sorry for your loss, but I am truly thankful that he passed away in his own home and his wishes were fulfilled! What a blessing! I will always remember fondly spending so much time with my best friend Annette and her father Christian as a young girl. We had many fun times waterskiing at Folsom lake and staying out watching till the last bit of sun went down. I will treasure his stories and his wonderful smile. He so loved his family! He was always so kind and I feel blessed to have known him. My love goes out to all of you.
Gitta Vaughan
February 7, 2007
Papa was truly an amazing and unique man. He was an incredibly hard worker who transformed himself from a poor immigrant to a successful builder and provided his family with a wonderful life in the process. His laughter rang out whenever he told us his favorite old German stories or shared a corny joke with us. I will miss that tremendous sense of humor of his. He showed us how to live life with zest and vigor, and was a wonderful example of how to live, age, and die with dignity. I will always treasure the memories that we shared together, and will forever miss him. Papa, you remain in my heart. Thank you for being my awesome father. Your loving daughter, Gitta
January 30, 2007
To our dear friends,
We had the privilage of meeting and spending time with your dad/grandfather. He truely was a likable and genuine man.
It is never easy to loose a loved one but when it is your parent that you must say good-bye to, it leaves a void that no one can replace. Time does soothe. Your Heavenly Father understands your grief and is there beside you to comfort you and share your tears. Let Him be your all-in-all in this loss.
Sincerely, Vicki and Kristen Sagaral
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Sharon
January 29, 2007
Dear Annette,
I'm so sorry for your loss. No matter what the age it is so hard to lose a parent. Hope your filled with pleasant memories and that God brings you comfort and peace at this time. He sounds like he was a wonderful man.
January 28, 2007
Hi Annette, So sorry for your loss. We are thinking about you with love. Larry and Sue
Bruce, Paula, Britney, Brennan, and Brett Milbury
January 28, 2007
Dear Annette, Randy, Marissa and Brandon,
Our deepest sympathies are with you in the passing of your beloved father/grandfather.
We know that the heritage of the fathers is passed down to many futures generation. Knowing you, tells us what a wonderful man your father must have been. Our prayer for you is that your loving memories will comfort you during this time of loss.
In Sympathy,
Mamie Hao
January 27, 2007
Dear Annette,
What a loving tribute to your father. We were touched by what you wrote in the guest book. It is too bad that we never met him. He sounds like a wonderful person.
I know your heart is saddened by the loss of your dad but may you find comfort in your memories and loving family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are always there with you.
Love,
Mamie, Stan & Chris
Annette
January 27, 2007
Dad,
You were the greatest father ever. We had so much fun riding horses together, skiing in the mountains, water skiing at Folsom Lake, playing chess in your office, and eating yummy meals together. I'm glad your wish was fulfilled. I will miss you and love you forever. Your loving daughter,
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