Benjamin F. Engle, Jr.
June 14, 1926 - January 22, 2010
Benjamin F. Engle, Jr.
Freeport:
Dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend of many, Benjamin F.
Engle, Jr. passed away peacefully on Friday, January 22, 2010 at his home of 56 years
in Freeport. He was 83. Lois Engle (Schmitt), his wife and partner for 61 years, was
with him when he died. They raised three sons whose respective families now include 8
grandchildren and 3 great-grand children and are spread from Illinois to Oregon to
Texas.
Benjamin was born in Freeport on June 14, 1926 and was the son of Benjamin,
Sr. and Mable (Welfelt) Engle, long-time residents of east Empire St. in Freeport. He
graduated from Freeport High School early to join the United States Navy. After training
at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, he was sent to join the Pacific Fleet to serve
aboard the USS California in September, 1944. Primarily assigned to 40mm antiaircraft
guns, he protected the ship from aerial attacks and served admirably in the face
of enemy fire. He was in action in battles and invasion support for the Philippine
Islands, including the Battle for Leyte Gulf and night battles in the Surigao Straits. It
was during action in January, 1945 that his anti-aircraft guns suffered significant
damage from kamikaze attack. As the war drew to a close, he served aboard the
California all over the Pacific, including to Tokyo Bay, and accompanied the ship to its
final berth in Philadelphia where she was decommissioned. Throughout his lifetime, he
remained very proud of his service to his country and was fiercely loyal to the United
States Navy, flying its flag daily right under the flag of the United States.
While on leave from Philadelphia, he met his future girlfriend, Lois, who at the
time was still in high school, at Emmert's Drug in downtown Freeport. Upon returning to
Freeport after the war, he worked at the old Henny Buggy company on Spring St. and at
the Newberry Paint Store. He also continued to date Lois. On June 12, 1948, he
married Lois A. Schmitt in the old Oak Avenue Evangelical church in Freeport.
As a livestock feed salesman for FS Service Company in Freeport, Lena Pellets
Company in Lena, and Johnston Feeds in Mount Carroll. He delivered feed, service,
and friendship to Stephenson County and area farmers for 39 years.
For almost 30 years, Lois and Ben were seasonal residents in northwestern
Wisconsin, on Lac Courte Orielles near Hayward. Their cabin, situated near the center
of a beautiful bay and facing a setting sun each evening, became the destination for
many visitors and family. Ben hosted near daily 5 o'clock soirées that included
outrageous stories, exaggerated fishing tales, gales of laughter, kind-hearted teasing,
and oft-clever practical jokes. All were invited and all were sent home knowing they
were, indeed, loved.
He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, a 50-year American Legion
member, a 50-year Blue Lodge Mason, and a 50-year member of the Freeport
Consistory.
Surviving are his wife, Lois, of Freeport, three sons, David of Barrington, Douglas
(Linda) of Oregon, and Donald (Joanne) of Freeport; one brother, James (Peg) Engle of
Sauk City, Wisconsin; and his sisters-in-law, Audrey of Palmer, Alaska and Jeannette of
North Hollywood, California. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers,
Clark and Kenneth. Cremation rites have been accorded.
There will be a private service for the family at the Walker Mortuary. There will
also be a celebration of Ben's life for friends and relatives at the Freeport Eagles Club
from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2010. Ben's family invites all to
extend their condolences, share memories and laughs, partake in good food and
friendship, and hoist a toast to this wonderful man who touched so many lives.
..."In lieu of flowers, donations to organizations such as FHN Memorial Hospice, American Cancer Society, Friends Forever, and the American Lung Association in Ben's name would be greatly appreciated."
Please view the Family Guest Book and sign the condolence page at www.walkermortuary.com