William H. “Bill” Engel

William H. “Bill” Engel, age 95, of Athens, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at The Villas in Sherman, IL.

He was born October 10, 1925 in Athens, Illinois, the son of Edward F. and Anna Seipel Engel.

Bill married May Jean Kopp at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Athens on December 30, 1945.  She preceded him in death on July 21, 2007.  Bill is also preceded in death by a brother, three sisters, and a nephew.

He is survived by two sons, Bill (wife Barb) Engel of Springfield, Jim (wife Gail) Engel of Petersburg; three grandchildren; Brad (wife Crystal) Engel, Brent (Kate Norris) Engel, and Bre (husband Chris) Macomber; six step-grandchildren, Amanda Gordon (companion Donnie Mulkins), Robert Gaston, Danielle (husband Terrell) Cade, Renee’ (husband Tim) Dempsey, Richard Gaston (companion Kate Vonderbur), and Ryan (wife Bridgett) Gaston; three great-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren; one niece; two nephews; and cousins.

He graduated from Athens High School.

Bill was a farmer in the rural Athens area his entire life.  He served many years on the Culver Elevator board, also was chairman and member of the Menard County ASCS Committee.

He also was Vice Chairman and Director on the Athens State Bank board for 29 years, as well as serving on the Menard County Planning Commission.  He enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and gardening.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Athens.

He was blessed with 40 more years of life after a serious farm accident and was very appreciative for all the support from the area farm community during his recovery.

A special thanks from the family to the staff of The Villas in Sherman for their compassionate care given to Bill during his stay.

His passions in life were faith, family, and farm.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 10:00 until time of funeral service at 11:30 AM Immanuel Lutheran Church in Athens with Rev. Richard Becker officiating.  Burial at will be held at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens, Illinois.

Memorial contributions can be made to Athens Basic Life Support or donor’s choice.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.