Vernon R Engel

Vernon R. Engel, 86, of Portage, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2026, surrounded by the loving presence of his family.

Vern was born on October 31, 1939, in Valparaiso, Indiana, to Lewis H. and Marian H. (Beach) Engel, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1957 and attended Purdue University for three years. Recognizing his life's calling, Vern enrolled at Indiana Mortuary College in Indianapolis. Upon completion of his studies, he became a licensed funeral director, a vocation he faithfully carried out for 47 years, including the last 36 years at Engel Funeral Home in Portage.

After retiring from the funeral profession, Vern continued working for another 12 years at Bass Pro Shops in the fly shop, joyfully living out his love for fly fishing and fly tying.

Vern was the founding School Board President of Portage Christian School and served sacrificially in that role for many years. Because of his vast knowledge of entomology, he was invited to judge 4-H insect collections at the Porter County Fair each summer for decades. Alongside his beloved wife, Su, he was instrumental in bringing Meals on Wheels and VNA Hospice to Porter County. He also served on the Porter County Board of Health and was an active

member of both the Portage Lions Club and the Kiwanis Club.

A longtime member of Portage First Church of the Nazarene (now Real Life Community Church) and later South Lake Church of the Nazarene, Vern enthusiastically participated in the Portage First Bus Ministry, bringing hundreds of children to church over the years. He was a faithful churchman who actively lived out his love for God. His funeral home became an extension of that faith, as he compassionately ministered to families walking through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

As a young man, Vern served in the Indiana National Guard with the Valparaiso-based unit now known as the 713th Engineer Unit. During that season of life, he married the love of his life, Sharron "Su" Ooley, on December 29, 1962. Su preceded him in death on March 23, 2008.

Vern is survived by his children, Phil (Rev. Judy) Engel of Portage and Kevin (Dawn) Engel of Valparaiso. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jared (Julie) Engel, Adair Engel, Madison (Ben) Pressley, Kevin (Katie) Engel, Wesley (Dr. Elena Cruz-Lopez) Engel, and Klarcston (Grace) Engel; and by his great-grandchildren: Scarlett and Clara Pressley, Graham Engel, and Harper Engel.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Su, Vern was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene (Val) Engel.

Family and friends may gather on Sunday, March 1, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Bartholomew Funeral Home, 102 Monroe Street, Valparaiso, Indiana. Visitation will also be held on Monday, March 2, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:30 a.m. The funeral service will take place at Grace Church of the Nazarene, 5360 Clem Road, Portage, Indiana, with Pastor Mark Hostetler officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Kouts, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Portage Christian School in Vern's memory.

Bartholomew Funeral Home is entrusted with handling arrangements. www.bartholomewnewhard.com.