Robert J. Engel

Robert J. Engel, 86, of South Bend, IN and Bonita Springs, FL, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2017. He was born June 2, 1930 in South Bend, the son of Clarence V. and Clara (née Fritz) Engel. Mr. Engel was a member of St. Peters United Church of Christ where he served as part time organist. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in South Bend and Loyal Order of Moose in Elkhart, IN. He was a charter member and founder of the Guys & Dolls Dance Club and a former member of the Shoe & Slipper Dance Club. Bob had a love of music all of his life. He started playing piano at the age of 6 and had a beautiful soprano voice, performing in church, school and radio. In high school he took up the string bass for the concert band and orchestra. He became the drum major for the marching band at Central High School, where he graduated in 1948. As an accomplished organist, he served as organist and choir director of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, as organist at Hilltop Lutheran Church and part time organist at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Bob also had a love of theatre and directed many plays as youth director at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Along with his wife, Shirley, he taught ballroom dancing for over 25 years for the South Bend Recreation Department and privately for many clubs and organizations in the area. They also taught ballroom dancing for the Bonita Springs Recreation Department. Bob retired from various office positions, having served as secretary and bookkeeper for the law firm of Hahn & Nafe for many years. He had been the Past President of the American Institute of Banking, South Bend Chapter. After retirement, he and Shirley spent their winters in Bonita Springs, FL, where he became the secretary for the Forest Creek Villas Condominium Association board of directors. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Shirley C. (née Weissfuss) Engel; his beloved daughter, Kathleen Engel of South Bend, IN; granddaughters, Lisa Walorski and Julie (Robert) Visser; son-in-law, Gary Walorski; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Maureen Walorski; and his brother, Charles W. Engel. A Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail South, Bonita Springs. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Services and burial will take place in South Bend at a later date and will be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peters United Church of Christ, Organ and Music Fund, 915 N Ironwood Dr., South Bend, IN 46615. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.

Robert J. Engel

June 2, 1930 - January 27, 2017