Richard Engler

Sibley, IA

     Richard Engler age 76 of Sibley, Iowa died Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Sanford Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

     A Celebration of Life service will be 1:00 PM Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley, Iowa with Pastor Tim Nappe, officiating. 

     Visitation will be the same day from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM with the family present at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley.

Richard LeRoy Engler was born November 12, 1944 in Tracy, Minnesota, the son of Carl and Dorothy (Bruns) Engler. He was raised in Worthington, Minnesota and graduated from Worthington High school in 1963. Richard enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963 and was honorably discharged in 1967 after serving in Vietnam while stationed on the USS Chicago. He was very proud of his military service and attended many shipmate reunions. After being discharged, he worked in several locations before settling in Sibley. He started at Chase Bag (Hood Packaging) in 1972 and retired in 2007.

On June 2, 1973 Richard was united in marriage to Laureen Krieger in Worthington, MN. They were blessed with one daughter, Kimberly. Together they lived in Sibley where they built their home in 1975 and it has remained their family home. His faith was very strong and as such was a very active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He gave sermons, taught Sunday School, helped with LOGOS, held multiple offices of the church council, and was involved in many productions of the Passion Play.

Richard was a lifelong member of the VFW, active with the American Legion, a founding member of the Otter Valley Railroad Club, the creator of the Northwest Iowa Riders Motorcycle Club, and a past member of the Sioux Falls Chapter of Rolling Thunder. Throughout his life he enjoyed many hobbies and past times. He could be found playing pool or cards over the years at Massa’s Pool Hall, Chuck’s Palace Café or Pronto. He and Laureen bowled together in league play and he enjoyed golf – often having his daughter caddy for him.

After retirement, Richard didn’t slow down. He worked several part-time jobs, helped friends with farming and business needs and served with organizations in the community. Continuing his dedication to his country, he was a commissioner for the Osceola County Office of Veteran’s Affairs and gave back to others that served.

Richard enjoyed life and filled his time riding motorcycles, traveling, watching birds, playing with Doug and taking him for rides. He really enjoyed food (eating it and discussing it); grilling, crab boils and crab legs. He loved to be around people and anyone he met instantly became a friend. Richard loved to laugh and to tease his nieces and nephews.

A dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, he was known by many names and they were all said in love: Sweetie, Daddy, Richard, Uncle Dick, and Chappy. He will always be remembered for his helpful nature and that he never said no to a request for help, no matter the size of the project.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Laureen; daughter, Kimberly; grandchildren, Taylor, Brandon, and Renner; brothers, Gary (Marsha) Engler of Blue Earth, MN, Ricky (Mary) Engler of Garvin, MN; sister-in-laws; brother-in-laws; nephews and nieces; and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents- Carl and Dorothy; brothers - Ronald, Larry, Thomas, Steven; and beloved companion, Doug.