In the early morning of Saturday, March 5, Kenneth Earl Engle, of Henry Illinois, made his journey into Heaven, with his family being by his side for several days. He was born the day after his parents’ 10th anniversary in Raritan Illinois in a farmhouse during a blizzard. The doctor had to ride on horseback to make his way there!
Kenny’s parents were Earl Dean Engle and Hazel Irene (Inman) Engle. He grew up most of his life on a farm near Roseville, which is still in the family. One of his earliest memories on the farm was of his dad putting him on the backs of their Percheron horses, Cap and Prince. He was so tiny and the horses so broad across in his little boy eyes.
He remembered his mother making very large, delicious meals for the farm hands during harvest time and she made sure the single men had extra food to take home.
Kenny started out in country school and finished at Roseville High School, where he played football. He also had the honor of attending Boys’ State. He went on to graduate from Western Illinois University, getting a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1960.
In 1957, Kenny was in boot camp in Ft. Smith Arkansas for the Army and was in the Army Reserves for a few years.
He met Dorothy “Kay” Brent in 1956 and they married on March 8, 1959. As newlyweds they lived in Roseville and then moved on to Virginia Illinois. Putting his love of agriculture to good use, Kenny became the manager of the Farm Bureau for Cass County.
During their time in Virginia, their daughter, Lisa was born. Shortly after, they moved to Henry Illinois where Ken was the Farm Bureau Executive Director for Marshall-Putnam Counties.
Ken and Kay had their son, Todd, and settled into life in Henry Illinois. Ken became active in Rotary, the Methodist Church and golfing at the Lacon Country Club along with other activities.
In 1967, they built a new house, which Ken has continued to live in for 55 years-being the last original owner on the street.
Kenny and Kay loved to travel, visiting most of the United States and other continents. One of his childhood dreams was to drive the Alaskan Highway. He did just that! They had a wonderful 6-week trip driving through Canada, including Glacier National Park, Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Then on into Alaska! He absolutely loved the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Alaska.
Other favorite hobbies included being an avid reader, a WWII/history buff, attending the symphony, plays, listening to Big Band music, visiting museums of any kind, and playing “catch” in the backyard with Kay and Todd.
After 40+ years with the Farm Bureau in 2001, Ken retired and enjoyed playing golf with his buddies and especially with his son, Todd. He also fed the squirrels and birds every day, enjoying their antics. His beloved kitties, Stretch, Snickles and Mr. Bud gave him hours of entertainment and companionship.
Kenny was a very loving and devoted son, husband, father, and uncle, with a very strong bond to his family and extended family. He took wonderful care of Kay when she was incapacitated at home and in the nursing home for 6 years.
He never met a stranger. Everyone remembers Kenny’s big smile when he saw you and we will miss that so much.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Earl and Hazel Engle, sister Barbara Engle Hoover, brothers’-in-law Wendell Hoover and David Brent, and his beloved wife Kay.
He leaves behind many friends and family including his heartbroken daughter, Lisa Engle of Dallas Texas and son, Todd Brent Engle (Mary) of Mackinaw Illinois. Also, his niece, Deborah Hoover Rasch of Sun City South Carolina and Steve Hoover of Rushville Illinois, and many cousins.
We would especially like to thank Compassus Hospice Care and the Reflections of Morton staff for their care and kindness during his final days. Also, Ken’s wonderful neighbors who checked on him regularly.
Donations can be made to the SPCA and World Wildlife Fund.
Services will be Monday, March 14, 11 a.m. at Wise Family Funeral Home, 230 W. Penn Avenue, Roseville Illinois 61473. Online condolences may be made at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com We welcome anyone who knew him.
