Leonard P. Engler

Leonard P. Engler

June 1, 1926 – February 6, 2021

Preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Agnes Engler; wife, Doris (Jaax) Engler.  Survived by two children, James Engler (Joan), Michael Engler; 6 grandchildren: Valerie, Matthew, Judy, Regina, Emily, and Seth; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; sisters: Margaret Straka, Eileen Schmit (John), Helen Stokely: and brother John  Engler (Dorothy); many nieces and nephews; cousins from the Engler and Simons families.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, Feb.11^th at 11am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Omaha, with Visitation beginning at 10am.  VIGIL SERVICE for family only: Wednesday, Feb. 10^th at 7pm.  Interment: St. Boniface Cemetery in Stuart, NE in March.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to College of St. Mary — Doris Jaax Engler and Leonard Engler Endowed Scholarship Fund.

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the home page.

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Beginning as a farm boy near Stuart, NE, Leonard was a man of the land.  After Army service during WW II, he attended Creighton U., where he met Doris, with whom he spent over 65 happy years of marriage.  After 4 years managing farms near Columbus, he graduated  from NU, studying Ag. Econ.  Working in several government agencies as an appraiser, he participated in a range of projects, from farm land acquisition for Minuteman missile silos in the Dakotas to acquisition of 18^th century homes for the Minute Man National Park in Massachusetts.   He always had a garden in the back yard, carefully tended with Doris.

He was also a family man.  He loved family gatherings, long visits, and card games.  He expanded his family of 3, adopting Michael.  He cared well for his children and grandchildren, giving special care when needed.  He was especially proud of their accomplishments.  His home was a respite for many family members visiting Omaha for medical care.

Leonard took “neighbor” seriously.  He helped build community wherever he lived, on farms, in houses, or assisted living homes; in Stuart, Shelby, Columbus, Lincoln, Omaha, and Moorestown, New Jersey.  He was always willing to lend a hand and loved to visit, often including a card game.  He was a regular subscriber to the Omaha Playhouse.  He loved watching Nebraska football, Creighton and Nebraska men’s basketball, and their women’s volleyball teams.

Leonard loved to travel.  U.S. trips, with Doris, and sometimes friends, included Texas, California, Hawaii, and Alaska, not to mention family visits in Montana, Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.  He also traveled abroad, visiting Mexico, Italy, and Israel.  A highlight was a trip to Germany and Oberammergau for the decennial Passion Play.

First, though, was his faith.  Always an active parishioner, he volunteered to count money when living in Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross parishes.  He was a Eucharistic Minister, visiting patients at hospitals in Omaha.  His dream was being able to easily attend daily Mass in his later years, a wish fulfilled when he moved to Via Christe in Omaha. 

IN THE END, THESE PSALM VERSES DESCRIBE HIS FAITH AND  HOW HE LIVE HIS LIFE:

One thing I ask from the Lord,

    this only do I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

     all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the Lord

    Psalm 27:4…

KNOWING

…The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

     slow to anger, abounding in love

     Psalm 103:8