Eleanor Mary Engel

1922 - 2015

Engel, Eleanor Mary (Hooyman)

The angels took Eleanor peacefully to Heaven on June 15, 2015. She was born on February 24, 1922 to James and Ellen (Vandenberg) Hooyman. After graduating from Kaukauna High School in 1939, she co-founded and co-directed the Kaukauna Grignon Players, providing entertaining plays for the surrounding communities.

Eleanor married the love of her life, Norbert Engel, on June 12, 1948. They were blessed with 11 children: Mary (Lee) Hurley, Gerri (Dave) Balliet, Ellen (Tom) Hoover, Sandra (Peter) Zastrow, Susan (Dave) VanBoxtel, Tom (Mary), Paul, Tim (Lisa), Neil (Kelly), Nancy (John) Arndt, and Jack (Kaylene). God further blessed them with 31 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Many enjoyable times were shared by the family camping, as well as church picnics, reunions, and family celebrations. Her children and grandchildren especially enjoyed the pumpkin pies and assorted cakes which she lovingly baked even as she was gradually losing her eyesight.

As if the endless laundry, meals, and a multitude of tasks weren't enough, Eleanor also worked outside of the home at Prange's and Prangeway Department Stores. On her class reunion questionnaire she quipped that she was a mother of 11 children living the life of a lady of leisure. She loved a good joke and enjoyed making others laugh. Occasionally, a priest would use one of her jokes in a sermon. All of us will miss the sound of her laughter. We thank God for the time that we had with her.

Eleanor deeply loved the Holy Eucharist. She devotedly instilled the values and teachings of the Catholic faith in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren throughout their lives. She radiated the Christian spirit of love and concern for others, especially the poor. She had a heart of gold and was kind and compassionate beyond measure. Everyone who met her was impressed by her sweet nature. With her passing, a shining example of holiness is gone from our lives. Mom, please flash the porch lights at the gates of Heaven to welcome us home again.

Eleanor was a member of the Legion of Mary and the Secular Franciscan Third Order.

Eleanor is survived by her children and by her two sisters, JoAnn (James) Vandenberg and Mary Sue (Robert) Streck.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Norbert, and her brothers Floyd, Aloysius, and Marvin.

Visitation will be held at the Wichmann Funeral Home-Laemmrich Chapel at 312 Milwaukee Street in Menasha on Wednesday evening June 17, 2015 from 4 until 7 pm with the Rosary being recited at 7 pm. Visitation again will be held on Thursday morning, June 18, 2015 from 10 am until 11 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Second Street in Menasha with the Mass being celebrated at 11 am. Burial will take place in St Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be given to Father Carr's Place2B, Wisconsin Right to Life, EWTN, and priests' retirement funds.

The family wishes to thank Sandra and Peter Zastrow for taking mom into their home for the last 9 years and for their compassionate and unwavering caregiving. Their selfless dedication merits our gratitude, respect, and admiration. We also wish to thank Paul for his incredible devotion to mom's care and comfort.

Mom and the family sincerely appreciated everyone's prayers, especially the prayers and blessings of the seven priests and the hospital chaplains who visited her during her hospitalization.

Finally we thank Dr. Adeboye, Dr. Johnson, and the nursing staff at St Elizabeth Hospital for their excellent medical care, kindness and support.