James Engel Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of James Engel of Columbus, Nebraska, who passed away on May 2, 2026 at the age of 79. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of James Engel to pay them a last tribute.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Ervin "Bud" Engel and Maye Engel (Roelle); his siblings, Margot Larsen and Carl Engel; and his great grandchild Spencer Reed.
He is survived by: his wife Suzy Engel (Suzy); his daughters, Lynette Dreifurst (Chris) of Columbus and Jamie Afrank (Chris) of Columbus Two; his stepchildren, Jason Durand of Silver Creek and Kelly Durand of Columbus; his grandchildren, Alexis Reed (Tyler), Marshall Dreifurst (Morgan), Joslynn Afrank, Logan Afrank, Jacob Durand (Morgan Wahnee) and Andrew Durand; his great grandchildren, Jude Reed, Aiden Reed, Theodore Reed, Harlow Reed and Ryan Durand; and his brothers, Ted Engel (Ardy) and George Engel (Barb). He is also survived by Sister-in-law: Shirley Engel Numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on Thursday, May 7th 2026 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the McKown Funeral Home (2922 13th St, Columbus, NE 68601). A funeral service was held on Thursday, May 7th 2026 at 5:00 PM at the same location. A graveside service was held on Friday, May 8th 2026 at 12:00 PM at the Columbus Cemetery (1060 12th Ave, Columbus, NE 68601).
