Donald L. Engel

Donald L. Engel obituary, Greenfield, WI

Donald L. Engel

Donald Engel Obituary

Donald L. Engel, known affectionately as Don, was a kind and gentle man who left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Born on March 29, 1930, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Don passed away peacefully at home in Greendale on January 4, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Don dedicated 42 years of his life to Wisconsin Bell, spending many of those years as an instructor where he found great joy in teaching others. His passion for teaching was one of his proudest accomplishments, and he is remembered as an influential figure to many.

A veteran of the Air Force, Don carried the values of service and commitment throughout his life. He was also a member of Masonic Lake Lodge and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), reflecting his lifelong passion for aviation and community engagement.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Don was a gifted artist and storyteller, delights that brought him much joy and allowed him to share his creativity with those around him. His warm personality and gentle spirit endeared him to family and friends alike.

Don is survived by Carol, his devoted wife of 37 years; his children, Richard (Sharon) Engel, Jane (Chuck) Hubmann, Julie (Jake) Brusewitz, and JoEllen (Ken) Pitrof; and his beloved grandchildren: Charlie, Kristin, April, Hannah, Sydney, Olivia, Tony, Sam, Hannah, Chloe as well as great-grandchildren Noah, Cayden, Cameron, Caroline, and Andromeda. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, LeRoy Knapinski.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marguerite, and his sons, Robert Engel and Jeff Manske.

Visitation Wednesday January 14, 2026 from 11 am until 12:30 pm at the Max A. Sass & Sons Greenridge Chapel. Masonic service at 12:30 PM.  Military Honors 12:45 PM.  Family and friends will meet thereafter at 2 pm at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church (524 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee) for a Mass of Christian Burial.  Private interment Wood National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity in Don's name appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Make a Donation
in Donald Engel's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.

How to support Donald's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Engel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.