William Harlin Engel

MONONA-William “Bill” H. Engel, age 87, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Nazareth House in Stoughton. He was born on March 21, 1924, in Madison, the son of Jesse and Kathryn (Harlin) Engel. He graduated from Madison East High School in 1941, and furthered his education at UW-Madison, majoring in engineering. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in February of 1943, at the age of 18. Bill served his country for two tours of duty in France, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg in World War II. He served with General George Patton’s first army and was in the first replacement detachment in the Battle of the Bulge. He was on the front lines for 154 days without relief, as an artillery sergeant. Bill was united in marriage to Genevieve “Gen” Catherine Hoffman of Westport, on Nov. 12, 1955. In 1957, Bill co-founded the UW Madison Orthotic Lab. As Director and Certified Orthotist, he designed, built, and fitted orthosis for the severely disabled for 33 years, with many of his inventions written up in the Medical Archives. Bill shared his time and talents in Monona his entire adult life and was considered an icon of the community. He was a charter member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Monona Volunteer Fire Department serving as a training officer, and American Legion Post 429 serving as an officer for 50 years. Bill served on the Monona Village Council for four years, then for 24 years on the police and fire commission, 12 years as president. After retirement, his many activities included volunteering for Kiwanis, Meals on Wheels, highway clean up, Wilmar Soup Kitchen, St. Stephen’s Food Pantry, Salvation Army, and presenting student scholarships among others. Bill’s interests included restoring classic cars and boats, and he played league softball until he was 75. He learned to play the piano, organ, violin and harmonica through classes at MATC and had a beautiful voice which he shared in the IHM choir. Bill’s most recent big experience was the Badger Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on Nov. 12, 2011. He regarded this as one of the greatest honors of his life. Bill was truly a faithful servant of God, his family, and community. He was an inspiration and mentor to many and was loved and admired by all who had the opportunity to know him. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gen; his daughter, Kristi (Tim) Panthofer; his cherished granddaughters, Annalise, Olivia, Katie (Jon) Boone and Betsy; great-granddaughter, Isabelle; sisters, Connie Homan, Betty Jo (Ken) Kruska, and Mary (Dick) Neuman; sisters-in-law, Cherie (John) Nuepert and Jerry Hoffman; brothers-in-law, Jerry Kessenich, Howard Hoffman, and Ed Wronkowitz; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim (Mary) Engel; sisters-in-law, Jane Wronkowitz and Mary Kessenich; and brothers-in-law, Marv Homan and Joe Hoffman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, with Father Bart Timmerman and Monsignor Gerard Healy concelebrating. Military Honors will follow immediately after Mass. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, following a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Pass and Review at 6:30 p.m. with Rosary to follow, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, and also at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to IHM Endowment Fund or the charity of your choice. Cemetery: Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, following a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Pass and Review at 6:30 p.m. with Rosary to follow, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, and also at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, with Father Bart Timmerman and Monsignor Gerard Healy concelebrating. Military Honors will follow immediately after Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to IHM Endowment Fund or the charity of your choice.