Quentin S. Engel

Quentin S. Engel, 99, of Havana, formerly of Springfield, passed away on Friday October 27, 2017 at Em’s Haven of Rest in Havana. He was born on October 4, 1918 in Springfield to Melvin Truman Engel and Louise Marie Seaman. His only sibling was his sister Melba Frederick and she preceded him in death.

Mr. Engel married Dorothy Louise Scott on July 11, 1941 and after celebrating sixty three years of marriage she preceded him in death on November 27, 2004.

Quentin is survived by two daughters: Nancy (Jimmie) Simmers of Havana and Janis (Dale) Cooch of Normal, five grandchildren: Kim (Keith) Potts of Havana, Corey (Jennifer) Fanter of Athens, Eric (Dana) Simmers of Havana, Kerry (Jay) Jones of Havana and Jeremy Fanter of Kilbourne, seven great-grandchildren: Mollie (Jamin) Cox, Marissa (Alexis) Potts, Maycee Potts, Jaylyn Simmers, Bronwyn Simmers and Britanee Bailey all of Havana and Cody Fanter of Athens, two great-great grandsons Phoenix and Kobe Cox of Havana, four nieces and his special friend Janet Daniels of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter Taylor Leigh Simmers in 1998.

Mr. Engel attended McClernand and Lawrence elementary schools. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1937 and was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. He received eight letters: four in basketball and four in football. Quentin was a member of the Boy Scouts earning many badges. He walked the Lincoln Trail from Petersburg to Springfield, he loved to duck hunt along the Illinois River and he was a charter member of Lakewood Golf Association in Bath.

Quentin and Dorothy owned Laf-A-Lot Cottage along Matanzas Beach in Havana. Many wonderful memories fishing, boating, skiing, grilling out and making homemade ice cream were made there.

In August of 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy-Seabees serving in Attu, Alaska building runways and hospitals during World War II. He was discharged in 1945.

He was a member of Central Lodge #71 AF&AM Valley of Springfield for over sixty one years, a member of ANSAR Shrine and the ANSAR Legion of Honor. Quentin just received a seventy five year Membership Certificate from the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry and he was the oldest member of Local #137.

Mr. Engel was a seventy two year member of the Elks Lodge #158 and Past Exalted Ruler and member of the Board of Trustees, a member of Third Presbyterian Church and in later years he attended West Side Christian Church.

He retired from Engel Company Plumbing and Heating after forty years of service. He did a lot of plumbing and heating work for the State House, Governor’s Mansion, Illinois State Fairgrounds, The State Journal Register, and many private jobs as well. At the age of 88 he volunteered as a Samaritan for St. John’s Hospital, he helped assemble Heart Books in the Cardiac Rehab Unit for over five years.

Quentin thought the world of his family and had many friends who loved him. He had a sharp wit and told amazing life stories. His sweet disposition will be greatly missed. Those who knew him will miss an avid Cardinal fan and one fine gentleman!

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Emma Smith of Em’s Haven of Rest and her devoted crew for their loving care.

A funeral service will be held 11:00am on Tuesday October 31, 2017 at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 East Allen Street, with Rev. Vaughn Beeman officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 10:00am until the time of service Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to his daughters to be distributed to his special charities and to his church and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.