Emil J. Engelman

The Rev. Emil J. Engelman, 93, of Dallastown passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 4th at 9:14pm. Emil was ordained as a Lutheran minister June 30, 1963 at First Lutheran Church Altoona, PA, after graduating from Gettysburg College with a bachelor of arts degree in 1960, and from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg with a master of divinity degree in 1963. He served as a student pastor during 1961 at Karthaus, Keewaydin and Oak Hill, Clearfield County, and during 1962 at Lily and Gallitzin, Cambria County. After ordination he served the Harleton Charge comprised of Laurelton, Swengel, Rays, and Harleton churches. During his pastorate the four churches merged, built a new church, education unit and fellowship hall. Rev. Engelman served the new church – Christ United or "The Four Bells Church" – until late 1967. He then served Fourth Lutheran Church, Altoona, PA from 1967 to 1980. A new church complex was constructed under his leadership and dedicated in 1971. He was called to Christ Lutheran Church, Dallastown, PA in October 1980 and served there until his retirement on Christmas Day 1999.

Throughout his calling Emil was on the Board and First Treasurer of Camp Mt. Luther, served as Chaplain of the VA hospital in Altoona, was a member of the Synodical Committee for the deaf, Synodical Evangelism Committee and chairman of the Parish Life Committee. He also served on the Spiritual Renewal Committee, was a delegate to the churchwide conversations in Dallas, Milwaukie, and Seattle, and a member of the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services, South Region for nine years. Rev. Engelman also served as a Board Member of the Shrewsberry Village and Strausburg Haus.

Emil was born in Altoona, PA June 19, 1932, the son of the late Emil and Geraldine (Burket) Engelman. He married his high school sweetheart Nancy (Barr) Engelman in February 1953 and had seventy wonderful years of marriage up until her death in February 2024.

He is survived by his two daughters, Cynthia Howard (Ed) of Altoona and Alyn Nedimyer (Leo) of Lugoff, SC, and his two sons, Dr. Emil Eric Engelman (Robyn) of Dorr, MI and Hans K. Engelman (Karen) of Red Lion, PA, twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, one brother Melvin Engelman of Altoona, and five sisters; Delores Patz, Jennifer Miller, Deborah Engelman all of Altoona, Darlene Emigh of Roaring Springs, PA and Joan Gorman of Lancaster, PA. He was preceded in death by a brother Leo Engelman of Altoona.

A time to share memories and an opportunity to view will be held November 10th from 6-8 PM at the Austin H. Eberly Funeral Home, Inc., 104 W. Main St., Dallastown. An additional viewing and a time to celebrate his life will be held on November 11th from 10-11 AM at Christ Lutheran Church, 126 W. Main St., Dallastown followed by an 11:00 AM service officiated by Pastor Patti Bream and Pastor Paul Frank. Internment will be at Blymire Cemetery, Dallastown.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Puja Berry from Wellspan Surgical Specialist, Dr. Amit B. Shah from Wellspan Radiation Oncology, and Joesph Kannarkatt from Wellspan Cancer Care of York. Also, the family would like to thank Sara, Angel, Amanda, and Eric from Hospice & Community Care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Rev. Engelman may be made to Asaph Teaching Ministry 126 W. Main St. Dallastown, PA.