Arlene E. Engels

Arlene Evelyn Engels was born August 9, 1921 in Brigham, Wisconsin to William and Florence (Eveland) Schuelke. She passed November 30, 2015 in Fairbury Nebraska at the age of 94 years, 3 months and 21 days.

Arlene grew up in Wisconsin where her parents operated cheese factories. She served in the army from 1943 to 1946. There she drove trucks for the transportation department. In June of 1946 she married Joe Engels and moved to Minot, North Dakota. Together they started Engels Aircraft while living at the Minot airport. Arlene ran a restaurant, while also working with Joe in the aviation business. They moved to Fairbury, Nebraska in 1952 and lived at the Fairbury Municipal airport where they raised their four boys. There she received her private pilot’s license, ran the family business, wrangled the boys and managed to grow the best raspberries for miles around. In 1990 they moved into the house built for her and Joe, where she lived until her passing. Arlene was an active member of St. Charles Episcopal Church in Fairbury, where she managed “The Thrift Shop”, a Fairbury institution for over 30 years. One of Arlene’s passions in life was quilting. She was an avid member of the Quilters Guild, winning many blue ribbons at the local and state fairs.

Arlene is survived by sons: Jim Engels and his wife Craven of Annapolis Maryland, Jary Engels and his wife Diane of Peoria Arizona, Jeff Engels and Fiancé Lisa McKinney of Fairbury Nebraska, daughter-in- law Solveig Bischoff of Beatrice Nebraska; grandchildren Amanda, Holly, Jamie, Beth, Nicole, Jacob, Heather, Lindsey, Jessica, Emily, Grace, and Angelae; great-granddaughter Stella; brother Wayne Schuelke of Wisconsin; sisters Carol Wininger of Michigan, and Jane Goebel and husband Fred of Illinois.

Preceding her in death was husband Joseph Engels, son Joseph “Butch” Engels, sister Marion Svoboda, and parents William and Florence Schuelke.

Funeral services for Arlene Engels are scheduled for 2pm Saturday December 12, 2015 at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury, Pastor Brian Julin-McCleary officiating. Music provided by Mary Johnson. Burial in Fairbury Cemetery at a later date. Memorials given will go to the Alzheimer's Association. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.