James Engel

James R. Engel, 67, of Central Lake, died, Mon. Mar. 5, 2012 at Charlevoix Area Hospital. He was born May 26, 1944, in Saginaw, the only son of Lester and Thelma (Bramer) Engel, Jim proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. He enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. Jim retired from GM, Saginaw Stering Gear in 2000. On Feb. 4, 1967, in Marquette, he married the love of his life, Colleen Brunette, who survives. In July of 2011, after 40 years of living in St. Charles, they moved to their new home on Torch Lake. Jim loved to watch the deer, other animals, and all that nature afforded him. He is also survived by 2 sisters Carole (Karl) Payk of Rapid City, Margaret (Robert) Ortman of Hemlock, 5 nieces, 2 nephews and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and 3 infant children. A funeral mass with military honors will be held Sat. Mar. 10, at Eleven a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, Bellaire with Fr. James Gardiner officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow. Memorials may be directed to ALS of Michigan, 24359 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 100, Southfield, MI., 48075, St. Luke Catholic Church, 3088 M-88 Hwy., Bellaire, MI., 49615 or Hospice of Northwest Michigan, 220 W. Garfield, Charlevoix, MI., 49720. Arrangements are being handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com