Melvin B. Engler

Melvin B. Engler

December 17, 1925-September 24, 2024

Mel Engler died peacefully on September 24, 2024, at the age of 98. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Connie; daughters, Cristy (Dave) Beutler of York, ME, and Sally (Dan) Witt of Omaha; 8 grandchildren and their spouses; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Debby Engler; brother, Donald Engler; sisters, Bernelda Engler and Patricia Locksley.

Mel was born in Stuart, NE, to Bernard C. and Catherine Engler. He attended St. Boniface Grade School and Stuart High School. He entered the Army Air Corp, later known as the Air Force, as a cadet. He was an officer in training, and after basic training, attended several universities and flight school training as a member of the bomber crew. After being honorably discharged, he attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where he pledged Delta Tau Delta fraternity and took a job waiting tables at the Alpha Phi sorority house. There, he dated several Alpha Phi’s before meeting the love of his life, Connie. After a brief engagement, they were married December 29,1949. Mel attended two years of undergraduate and two years of Law School and received a Bachelor of Science in Law in 1951 from UNL. Mel then attended Creighton University, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1952. Mel began his professional career at Mutual of Omaha in 1952, and rose through the ranks to become a Vice President. After 21 years, Mel joined the Mammel Group, where he was a partner until his retirement in 1990. He was an employee benefit consultant for group insurance. Mel and Connie began spending winters in Naples, Florida, in 1983. They often hosted family in their home, complete with a swimming pool for the grandkids!

Mel was a proud father of three daughters: Debby, Cristy and Sally. Some would call him the original “girl dad.” He will be remembered by his daughters as a loving, nurturing and generous father. He spoiled his girls and they spoiled him in return.

Mel was an avid golfer at Happy Hollow Club for over fifty years and enjoyed playing in competitive club tournaments. The only thing that could get Mel up before dawn was to make a tee time or play a game of golf! He attended the Masters eight times. He perpetuated his love of golf, making sure his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all offered the opportunity to learn and play golf. He had three holes in one. His family participated in the annual “Mel Engler Golf Invitational” tournament, fondly known as “The Mel,” for over a decade. They will continue to honor his memory with this event. Mel was an enthusiastic sports fan and would watch just about any college sport on TV. He was also passionate about televised golf and horse racing. Most importantly, he was a fanatic Husker fan. When he wasn’t on the golf course, he could be found fishing with family and friends. He fished from Canada to Florida on a number
of fishing trips.

Few people knew that Mel was a talented trumpet player in his youth and traveled with a number of dance bands in the region. He loved big band music of the 1940s and 1950s.

Mel’s family is thankful for the compassionate care he received from the professionals at OnCare Hospice and Symphony Pointe. His family and friends will remember him as someone who brought love and laughter to everyone he met.

VIGIL SERVICE: Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, October 3rd at 11:00AM, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, Omaha.

PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: OnCare Hospice or to the Fr. Shane Education Endowment at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “Live Cast” button at top of the home page.