J. Roger Engel

Defiance - J. Roger Engel 87, Defiance, Ohio, and Macy (Nyona Lake), Indiana, passed away at 7:35 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at CHP Hospice, Defiance, Ohio.

He was born on October 18, 1937, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Ervin and Wilma (Whitney) Engel. He graduated from Ayersville High School in 1955 and attended Phoenix, Arizona Technical College in 1958. On October 26, 1958, in Defiance, Ohio, he married Carole Mansfield and she survives.

Roger started his professional career as an apprentice carpenter for Richland Builders, Defiance, Ohio from 1955-1956. He became an electrical apprentice with V.A. Hire Electric, Defiance, Ohio from 1956-1958 and then with Everything Electrical and Eastwood Electrical, Phoenix, Arizona. Upon his return to Defiance, Ohio in late 1958, he started as a journeyman apprentice with Engel Construction before becoming owner from 1972-1980. In 1980, he became Supervisor for D.C.S. Construction, Defiance, Ohio. He served as Building Commissioner for the City of Defiance from 1984 until his retirement in 1999.

Roger had been a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church and Zion's Lutheran Church. He had been a member of the Ohio Homeowners' Association, Ohio Umpires' Association, member of "The Chain Gang" for Ayersville Varsity Football from 1974-1993, member of Nyona/South Mud Lake Association, Ayersville High School and Defiance High School Boosters. An active member in the Defiance community, he enjoyed having coffee with local fireman and police, following Ohio State Football, MLB baseball games, always enjoyed attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting and school events. He found peace fishing at his cottage on Nyona Lake in Indiana, Canada and in Ohio. He always had humor in his life. He will be truly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Carole Engel, Defiance, Ohio, children, Kim (Bill) Zartman III, Macy, Indiana, Doug (Pam) Engel, Defiance, Ohio, Rhonda (Rod) Moore, Butler, Indiana, grandchildren, Bill (Emily) Zartman IV, Defiance, Ohio, Brett Zartman, Macy, Indiana, Nicholas (Carrie) Engel, Defiance, Ohio, Brittni (Robbie) George, Defiance, Ohio, Danielle (Matt) Bowers, Continental, Ohio, Andrew (Madison) Moore, Butler, Indiana, Brooke (Mike) Wendel, Garrett, Indiana, Mandy (fiance' Trevor Deming) Smith, Auburn, Indiana, great grandchildren, Addison Zartman, Brady Zartman, Maverick Zartman, Ruger, Zartman, Adelia Engel, John Engel, Rorey Garces, Chesney George, Tytus George, Drakesyn George, Wesyn George, Oaklyn George, Montgomery George, Palin Bowers, Oliver Bowers, Lyle Moore, Bailey Wendel, Fisher Wendel, Madeline Wendel, brother-in-law, Gerald Mansfield, sister-in-law, Janet (Charles) Koch, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Regina Engel Smith in 2021, sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and James Kopp, parents-in-laws, Zoma and Edna Mansfield, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws, Roma and Barbara Mansfield, Marcella and Ted Ketner, Edward and Mary Mansfield, Roberta and Al Zachrich, William and Peg Mansfield, Beverly and Robert Rettig, Paul and Betty Mansfield, Janice Mansfield, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Zion's Lutheran Church, 1801 E. 2nd Street, Defiance, Ohio. Burial will follow in the Mansfield Cemetery, Defiance, Ohio. Friends may visit from 2:00 P.M. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Schaffer Funeral Home, 529 Jefferson Avenue, Defiance, Ohio and one hour prior to service Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to CHP of Defiance (Inpatient Hospice) or Mansfield Cemetery. Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com