Ellen C. Engel, 76, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, May 3, 2009, at Morys Haven Nursing Home in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 6 at 10:30 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shell Creek, rural Columbus, Nebraska, with Rev. Peter Jark-Swain officiating. Interment will be in the Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Wednesday at 10:15 AM at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or Family Choice.

Ellen Engel was born May 20, 1932 in Columbus, Nebraska, to Walter and Clara (Wurdeman) Marty. She was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church. Ellen attended Christ Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus. Ellen worked for one year at the Platte County Treasurers Office. On August 12, 1951, Ellen was united in marriage to Robert Engel at Christ Lutheran Church. Ellen was a dedicated farm wife who enjoyed gardening, cooking, and sewing. Ellen was a member of the "Nite Owls" extension club, St. John's Lutheran Church, and the Ladies Aid.

Ellen is survived by:
Husband - Robert Engel of Columbus, NE
Daughter - Bev (Bill) Brigham of Shelby, NE
Son - Mike (special friend - Bev Neemeyer) of Columbus, NE
Grandson - Brent (Nicki) Brigham of Shelby, NE
Granddaughter - Brook Brigham of Lincoln, NE
Great Grandchildren - Grant and Halle Brigham of Shelby, NE


Ellen was preceded in death by:
Parents - Walter and Clara Marty
Sister - Evelyn Muth
Brothers - Edgar, Kenneth, and Roland Marty


SERVICE FOLDER

God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be
So He put his arms around you
And whispered "Come with Me."

With tearful eyes
We watched you suffer
And saw you fade away
Although we loved you dearly
We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating
Hardworking hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the BEST.

It's lonesome here without you
We miss you more each day
Life doesn't seem the same
Since you've gone away.

When days are sad and lonely
And everything goes wrong
We seem to hear you whisper
"Cheer up and carry on."

Each time we see your picture
You seem to smile and say
"Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping
We'll meet again someday!"


In Memory Of

Ellen C. Engel

Born
Friday, May 20, 1932
Columbus, Nebraska
Entered Into Rest
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Columbus, Nebraska

Service
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 10:30 AM
St. John's Lutheran Church Shell Creek
Rural Columbus, Nebraska

Officiating
Rev. Peter Jark-Swain

Music
Joanne Siefken - Organist
Donna Jaixen - Soloist
"In The Garden" & "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"
Congregational Hymns
"Abide With Me" "How Great Thou Art"
"Children Of The Heavenly Father"

Casket Bearers
Gary Muth Walt Marty
Dean Marty Scott Mueller
Bruce Mueller Brent Brigham

Interment
Roselawn Memorial Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska