David C. Engel

David C. Engel, of Appleton, passed away unexpectedly at home of natural causes, on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at the age of 62.  Dave was the oldest son born to Gerald and Lucille (Modl) Engel on December 24, 1958.

He attended St. Joseph Grade School and was a 1977 Xavier High School graduate.

Dave’s childhood years were spent swimming, fishing, playing basketball, biking, and enjoying many other outside activities.  As a youth, he had a fascination with building electrical gadgets.  His hobbies included woodworking and taxidermy, a pursuit that he continued into his adult life.  A favorite trip for Dave was the annual family trek to Blakley’s Birch Reef Resort on Lower Buckatabon Lake in Conover, where he was the master of “inner tube balancing”.  He was also a backyard naturalist who looked forward to scouting for the varied wildlife that ventured into the yard.  Dave particularly thrilled in catching various critters using his Havahart live trap and then safely releasing them again to their brush pile homes.

Dave and his brother Steve had a Saturday morning ritual of fishing a “hidden treasure” section of the historic Fox River.  It was their quest to tangle with a trophy smallmouth or channel cat in this turbulent rock-laden but familiar shoreline water.  They shared many memorable happy moments together filled with fun, laughter, and unique comradery.  Dave took a “what trouble?” philosophy to any challenging endeavors that life would thrust upon him.

Ultimately, Dave was a loyal brother and a good son and “Uncle Dave” to his 8 nieces and nephews and 10 great-nieces and nephews.  We will miss his daily presence in our lives.  Until we all meet again, we are comforted knowing that “the angels have taken Dave to Paradise”.

Dave is preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Cecilia Engel and Ernest and Antoinette Modl as well as his godfather, Norbert Giesen and many other relatives.

He is survived by his parents, Gerald and Lucille Engel and his godmother, Dorothy Giesen.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jean (Karl) Roovers, his brother, Mark (Lynn) Engel and his youngest brother, Steven Engel.  Other survivors are his nieces and nephews:  Faustine Engel, Miles Engel, Laura (Arhen) Looker, Gabrielle Engel, Emily Roovers, Elizabeth Roovers, Samantha (Tom Johnson) Roovers, and Christian (Caitlin) Roovers.  Last, he is survived by his great-nieces and nephews:  Isabelle Cherny, Arlo Geiser, Micah Shields, Koda Shields, Cassidy Roovers, Waverly Roovers, Teagan Engel, Finnean Looker, Elliott Looker, Griffin Looker and many other relatives.

The funeral liturgy for David will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 W. Lawrence Street, Monday June 14^th at 10:30 AM with Fr. Jim Leary O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Visitation at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of services. Private interment St. Joseph Cemetery. A memorial fund is being established in Dave’s name.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dave’s brother, Steve, for his unwavering devotion and companionship to Dave.