Cathy Engler

Catherine A. Engler

Age 77 and a lifelong resident of Manhattan, Illinois, died peacefully on Friday afternoon, August 5, 2022 at her home in the presence of family.

Born April 21, 1945 in Joliet, Illinois, Catherine Anne was a daughter of Francis T. “Jiggs” and Loretta C. (Green) Long. She was raised and educated in Manhattan; graduated from St. Francis Academy, and went on to earn her degree in sociology and education from St. Francis College. On July 1, 1967, Cathy married Paul Robert Engler in St. Patrick Catholic Church of Wilton Center, and together they made a home and raised a family together.

Cathy’s career in education began at Ludwig Grade School in Lockport, where she taught 2nd grade for two years before gaining employment with Anna McDonald Grade School in Manhattan. It was here that Mrs. Engler taught 1st Grade and Kindergarten for over 30 years until retiring in 2002.

Cathy was a dedicated member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Wilton Center, where she began playing the organ her Senior year in high school, and proceeded to lead the parish in music for the following 59 years, very seldom missing. She was also involved in the CCW and could be counted on to volunteer when needed. Cathy cherished the holidays and graciously hosted Christmas and Easter cooking for family. A dedicated and loving wife and mother, Cathy cherished being a grandmother, and took great pleasure in babysitting and spending time with her grandchildren.

77 years loved, Cathy Engler was a woman of great faith, and indeed a treasure in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Paul; two children: Tom (Dawn) Engler of Manteno and Jean (Scott) King of Knox, Indiana; nine grandchildren: Delaney Wragg (Brendan Nahn), Payge Wragg, Kerrigan (Tanner) Swartzentruber, Madison Engler, Conner Engler, Matthew Engler, Jenna Engler, Ryleigh Engler and Madeline Langel; one great grandson, Oliver Nahn; one sister, Lorretta Robbins of Wilmington and several nieces and nephews.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Jiggs and Loretta Long; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford and Lena Engler and brothers-in-law, Jerry Robbins and Ken Engler.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Wilton Center, 14936 West Wilmington-Peotone Road, Manhattan, Illinois on Thursday, August 11, 2022 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Dan Hoehn presiding. Cremation rites will be accorded at the conclusion of the Mass.

Pallbearers will be: Conner Engler, Matthew Engler, Steve Robbins, Mike Robbins, Mark Robbins and Tanner Swartzentruber.

A private family inurnment will be in the columbarium at Mount Saint Patrick Cemetery in Wilton Center.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Cathy’s memory to St. Patrick Catholic Church with special intention to the music ministry.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Cathy’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181) www.BaskervilleFuneral.com