Donald Engel, 81, of Spring Lake, Minnesota passed away on Oct. 4, 2025.
A Celebration of Life will be held Oct. 24, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ballard Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake. Donald will be laid to rest on Oct. 25, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, 5437 160th St SE, Prior Lake. All are welcome to attend.
Donald Engel was born and raised in Shakopee, Minnesota. He was one of four brothers, all of whom were once elected for homecoming court. He spent most of his life in the Spring Lake and Prior Lake area and attended school in Prior Lake.
Don and Rosie’s real connection began at a local dance hall. They were married at St. Michael’s Church in 1969 and made their home in Spring Lake. Don served in the U.S. Air Force, got his associates degree from Dunwoody College and then went on to work as a Senior Project Engineer for Donaldson Company until retirement.
Donald enjoyed the simple things in life, playing first base in softball and celebrating wins at Extra Innings. He spent time bowling, and golfing. He played golf two to three times a week, whether in Minnesota or Florida. The Statler Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Elvis were regulars on Don’s radio.
He and Rosie traveled often in their younger years, found peace at the lake house until they retired to Florida. Don especially loved sitting on the deck or the patio in Florida, taking in the view. The many views he enjoyed in life were something he often talked about.
Don was a man of few words, but his words were very thought out and meaningful. His daughters learned valuable lessons from his actions and few words he said. You knew you were in trouble if he wanted to sit down and talk with his daughters. Although he didn’t say much, he left a lasting mark.
Donald is survived by his daughters Kelly Engel and Brenda (Mark) Aitchison; grandchildren, Kelsee, Amber (Cory) and Cam Nogosek, Dylan Scott, Tyler, Trevor and Trent Aitchison; great-grandchild Alaina; siblings David (Stacia) Engel, Rob (Jane) Engel; and sister-in-law, Jane Engel.
He is preceded in death by his wife Rosemary Engel; parents, Donald and Dorothy Engel; and brother Steven Engel.