Harry J. Engels

Cadillac - Harry Joseph Engels, of Cadillac, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024 at his home with his family by his side. He was 84.

Harry was born on October 5, 1940 to Joseph and Helen (Williams) Engels in Saginaw, Michigan. He attended Arthur Hill High School (Class of 1958) where he met the love of his life Jo Ann Whalin in science class. Jo Ann and Harry married on January 27, 1962 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Saginaw, MI.

Harry completed his Master’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University and got his first full-time teaching job in Pinconning as a History teacher, where he also taught drivers ed, and served as Justice of the peace, officiating 33 marriages in the living room of his house. He moved his family to Cadillac in 1974 and dedicated over 30 years to Cadillac Area Public Schools, serving in many administrative roles. He cared a lot about his students and was very proud of the kids that he helped and influenced. 

In 1979 Harry and Jo Ann started their own insurance agency selling Meemic Insurance to fellow educators, writing their first policies out of their home and continuing to sell insurance for the next 35 years. After his retirement he served on the CAPS Board of Education and started a scholarship fund for graduates of Cadillac’s alternative school. He was a member of the Cadillac Lions Club and volunteered his time holding the “White Cane” for donations and selling tickets for the “Sink the Shack” contest. He was also a volunteer for hospice.

He enjoyed golfing, telling stories, looking at family photos, going on fishing trips, and taking his family and friends for a ride on his pontoon. He enjoyed being a snowbird and traveling south for the winter. Harry loved listening to live music, dancing with his wife, and having good conversations with friends. His family was the most important thing to him. Harry will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Jo Ann Engels; his children, Michael (Brenda) Engels and Patricia (Melvin) Galloup; his grandchildren, Robert (Anne) Engels, Thomas (Alex) Engels, and Kate (Ty) Townsend; and his great-grandchildren, Lucas, Johnathon, and Nadia. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Ellen Williams and Joann Engels; his sisters-in-law, Barb Wild and Harriet Engels; along with many other loving family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Helen Engels; and his brothers, Robert W. Engels and Herb Engels.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 12 noon with visitation held one hour prior at Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home. Chaplain Dave Keller will preside. Interment will take place at Selma Township Cemetery in the spring.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan or the Salvation Army.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com. The family is being served by Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.
  
 

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