ROBERT ENGEL
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Newell Engel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us on October 2, 2024, due to a heart attack. Born to Margaret (Peggy) Carpenter and William Engel in Lake Andes.
Rob graduated from Andes Central in 1976, in high school he played football and was in wrestling. Soon after High School he married Paula Griffith, with whom he had three children: Ginger, Stephanie, and Justin. After many cherished years, he found his soulmate of 34 year, Gina Horst, whom he married on December 13, 2019. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Mandilyn.
Rob was known for his free spirit and gentle nature, possessing a unique ability to light up any room and make people laugh. He had a passion for NASCAR, with Jeff Gordon as his favorite driver. Rob dedicated many years to Soil Conservation, working in Lake Andes, Madison, and Hettinger, ND. He also spent time with Sweetman Construction, doing road construction. He worked at Subway in Rapid City for over ten years, where he excelled in customer service and managed his own store. Most recently he was working in Belle Fourche where he laid the ground work and foundations for future generations. Robert’s life was a groundbreaking adventure, his love for life was evident in everything he did, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Rob is survived by his wife GinaofBelleFourche;hismother Peggy Melmer of Mitchell; four children: Ginger (Chris) Larsen, Stephanie (Scott) Owens, Justin (Chrissy) Engel, and Mandilyn (Layne) LaTour; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Jesse and Alexandria Griffith and their children Ryder, Pyper, and Kashlynn; Jayden Larsen and Alivia and their daughter Paisley; Kylee Larsen; Preston and Samantha Owens, Destinee, Dmitri, Dace, Genevieve, and Leo. He is also survived by his siblings, Randy (Jodi) Engel, Rick (Jodie) Engel, Ruth Sejnoha, Ron (Becky) Engel, Roger Melmer, Ranae Melmer, Lori Davis, and Lisa Campbell, along with many nieces and nephews.
Rob was preceded in death by his stepfather Fred Melmer, brother Russell Engel, brother-in-law Kirby Sejnoha, a niece Suzie Sejnoha, father William Engel, grandparents, Brownie and Elenor Carpenter, Walter Engel, and John and Madge Carpenter.
Two Celebrations of Life were held in honor of Rob.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Rob’s memory. He will be forever remembered and cherished in the hearts of those who loved him.