Joe W. Engel

Joe W. Engel, age 79, of Solon Springs, WI passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Essentia, St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

Joe was born September 14, 1946, in Superior, WI the son of Francis and Rachel (Salisbury) Engel. He was raised in Wisconsin and graduated from high school in Miltonvale, KS. He attended college at Bethany Nazarene College in Oklahoma and then joined the U.S. Navy on March 24, 1966. He served during the Vietnam War and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). Joe was honorably discharged on December 10, 1969, and then returned to Wisconsin. He was married to Wendy Engel, mother of Brian. He started a career as a crane operator for Bucyrus-Erie that would last over thirty-five years in South Milwaukee. While working in South Milwaukee, Joe would return to Solon Springs often where he would visit his parents and enjoy the family property. Upon his retirement in 2011, he made Solon Springs his home again.

Joe found joy in the simple, meaningful things in life, especially time spent outdoors, music, and working with his hands. He loved hunting, took pride in reloading his own shells, and was a gifted knife maker who created custom hunting knives with skill and care. A faithful member of the Church of the Nazarene in South Milwaukee and later in Spooner, WI, Joe lived his faith through a true servant’s heart. He will be remembered for his steady presence, willingness to help, and quiet kindness toward others.

Joe is survived by his son, Brian (Courtney) Engel of Solon Springs, WI; one grandson, Hunter J. Engel; two siblings, Susan (Gary) Ohrt and Larry Engel; nephews, Daniel Engel and Jordan Engel; and nieces, Angela Arispe and Laura Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Joe’s life was marked by faith, service, craftsmanship, and quiet devotion to the people and places he loved. His family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support shared during this difficult time, and finds comfort in knowing that Joe’s memory will live on through the kindness he offered, the skills he shared, and the steady love he leaves behind.

A memorial service will be held for Joe at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1st, at Solon Springs Community Center with Pastor Clifford Larrabee officiating.  Interment will be in the Gordon Memorial Cemetery.  Military honors will be accorded by the State of Wisconsin Funeral Military Honors Program. A gathering of family and friends will follow the graveside back at the Solon Springs Community Center.

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