Melvin L. Engel

Melvin Lewis Engel, 91, of Holgate, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.   
 
He was born on September 8, 1926 to the late Lewis and Pauline (Retcher) Engel in Defiance County. Melvin proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during WWII.  On June 2, 1950 he married Marilyn (Bernius) Engel, who resides in Holgate, Ohio.
 
Melvin was a member of  Zion Lutheran Church in Defiance, VFW #3360, and AMVETS #1991. He worked at General Motors for several years, retiring in 1995. He was a sports fan, especially Ayersville and all Michigan teams. He dedicated over 30 years coaching Little League baseball and girls softball teams at Ayersville. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially spending time with his family. He was an inspiration to his children and will be remembered and missed by many.
 
Melvin is survived by his loving wife of over 68 years, Marilyn Engel of Holgate, daughter, Becky (Tom) Sheets of  Holgate, and son, Chris (Marcia) Engel of Defiance. He was a proud grandfather of Heather (Chris) Long, Stacie (Paul) Platt, Bethani Sheets, and Benji (Hilary) Sheets, 9 great-grandchildren, with a great-great-grandchild on the way.
 
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Leola Zachrich.
 
Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with an AMVETS Service at 7:00 pm.  Additional visitation will be from 10-11 am on Friday morning prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 7, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church in Defiance, with Rev. Timothy Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery, with graveside military honors accorded by VFW #3360.
 
Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church or CHP Defiance Hospice Center.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin L. Engel, please visit our floral store.