Robert D. Engler

A memorial service for Robert D. Engler will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Reverend Kenton Birtell officiating. A private family inurnment will be held prior to the service at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery at Lexington, Nebraska.

Robert Dale "Bob" Engler, 94 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away, on October 24, 2024, at Christian Homes Care Community at Holdrege. Robert was born on the Garner family farm near Sargent, NE on June 11, 1930, to John and Marie Jane (Garner) Engler. He graduated with the class of 1947 from Kearney High School at the age of sixteen. In 1948 he enrolled at Kearney State College where he majored in Speech and School Administration, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1953.

Following his education, Bob began his career as a teacher and principal in Merriman, Nebraska. In 1962 he received his Master of Science in Education at Kearney State with a major in School Administration and was subsequently hired as principal of the Tecumseh, Nebraska high school.

In 1960, Bob married Sue Shellenberger and together they raised four children. Bob's career in education, moved the family several times including Harrisburg, Tecumseh, and Bellevue in Nebraska; Detroit, Michigan; Wayne, Pennsylvania; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The family settled in Holdrege in 1972 when Bob worked for the Educational Service Unit #11 as a Special Project Administrator and then retired as the Director of Special Education in 1992.

Bob stayed very busy in retirement, serving on the Board of Directors for many organizations, including Community Action of Mid-Nebraska; Holdrege Development Corporation; Holdrege Public Library; as well as several local, state, and national Education Associations. Bob was an active volunteer at the Blood Bank, Meals on Wheels, and a screener for Holdrege Immunization Clinics. He was a vestry member of St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church and served as a Lay Reader and Eucharistic Minister. Bob was an active member of the Holdrege Rotary Club since 1978.

In 1998, Robert and Susan were honored by the Nebraska Heart Institute and Bryan LGH Medical Center, in recognition of their donated time and talent that promoted better heart and health care for the citizens of Phelps County, Nebraska.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, M. Susan.

He is survived by his children: Jane Nelson (Warren) of Lincoln, Nebraska; David Engler of Belle Fourche, South Dakota; Jim Engler (Lori) of Holdrege; Dan Engler (Sondra) of Hartford, South Dakota; Mike (Jan) of Grand Island, Nebraska; Mark (Pam) of Lincoln; and Susan (Dale Jones) of Phoenix, Arizona; one foster daughter, Marcia Freisz of Omaha, Nebraska; 11 Grandchildren: Trey, Amy, Lora, Shannon, David, Damon, Danyele, Mindy, Matt, Jennifer, and Michael; 23 great-grandchildren: Glen, Kade, Christian, Layne, Sydney, Sylvie, Kevin, Cameron, Justis, William, Jordan, Cadence, Malakye, Hayden, Ellie, Adelyn, Michael, Alexander, Emily, Hazel, Oliver, Holden, and Hartley, along with a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

There will be no viewing or visitation. The family is honoring Bob's wish for cremation.

Memorials in Bob's honor are suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.