Kenneth Edward Engel

Kenneth “Ken” Engel, 77, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Bickford Senior Living in Sioux City, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Visitation and fellowship will resume at 4:00 p.m. at the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 in Le Mars. Interment will take place at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through http://www.rexwinkelfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Care Initiatives Hospice-Sioux City in Ken’s honor. Link https://www.careinitiatives.org/

Kenneth Edward Engel was born on October 12, 1948, in South Sioux City, Nebraska, to Vincent and Arlene (Gilmer) Engel. He moved to Le Mars at a young age, graduated from Gehlen Catholic High School in 1967, and earned a business degree from Westmar College.

Following high school, Ken enlisted in the Iowa Air National Guard and proudly served until his honorable discharge.

On April 18, 1970, he married Nancy Sitzmann in Le Mars, beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than 56 years.

Ken’s career reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and love of people. He worked in real estate, owned and operated Oak and Stuff Antique Store in Le Mars, and later spent more than 25 years as a district representative for the Iowa Lottery before retiring.

Ken loved garage sales, antique stores, and auctions. Whether searching for Tonka trucks, glassware, or collectible model cars, he was always on the hunt for the next great treasure.

Above all, Ken will be remembered for his quick wit, infectious laugh, and generous spirit. He always had a joke, a story, or a one-liner ready and was often the first to laugh. If someone needed help, Ken was there without hesitation. He cherished time with family and friends and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures—a cold Miller Lite, a good donut, and good conversation.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Nancy of Le Mars; son, Ben Engel (Andrea Rosella) of West Des Moines and her children, Zea and Zara; daughter, Nicki (Quentin) Sorenson of Johnston and their children, Gavin (Lily), Cael, and Jude; mother-in-law, Rita Sitzmann of Le Mars; siblings, Marilyn (Mark) Sickman of San Diego, California, Jim (Donna) Engel of Le Mars, Doug (Lisa) Engel of Le Mars, and JoAnn (Pat) Nelson of Phoenix, Arizona; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dixie Engel, Pam (Dan) Dynan, Jack (Doris) Sitzmann, Ron (Shari) Sitzmann, Jeff (Phyllis) Sitzmann, Barb Sitzmann, and Dan (Toni) Sitzmann; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Howard Sitzmann; brother, William “Bill” Engel; and nephews, Matt Dynan, Brandon Sitzmann, Mark Engel, and Andy Sickman.

The family extends a special thank you to Doug and Lisa Engel for their unwavering support, generosity, and love throughout this journey. Your presence meant more than words can express, and our family will always be grateful.