Lawrence C. Engel

Lawrence C. Engel, age 93, of Grafton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully while under hospice care on March 7, 2025.

Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and cherished family and friend to many others. He lived a life full of love, honor, and inspiration. He will be remembered as a hardworking man who always kept himself busy, embracing every moment with determination and purpose.

Born on August 10, 1931, to Irene (Poetzel) and Sylvester Engel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Larry married the love of his life, Joan, on June 16, 1956. Together, they built a lifetime of memories over their 68 years of marriage.

Larry was a proud Army veteran. He graduated from the Marquette University School of Journalism in 1958 and had a distinguished career in the newspaper business for 37 years (the last 29 with the Milwaukee Sentinel) before his retirement in 1995.

Larry was also an avid runner, softball player, and fisherman. At the age of 49, he discovered a passion for running and set an ambitious goal of completing 70 marathons by the time he turned 70—a goal he proudly achieved. Over the years, he earned numerous medals and trophies, a true testament to his dedication and perseverance. He was an active member of the American Legion Rose-Harms Post 355 in Grafton, the Grafton Lions Club, and the Badgerland Striders.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his children Peter (Lynn), Kathy (Arthur Callaway), Mary (Jon Carpenter), Michael, and Eric (Stacey); 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Therese Szmania, and his son Robert Engel.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22, at St. Joseph Parish in Grafton. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at both Anita’s Gardens and Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Larry’s legacy of love, hard work, and perseverance will live on in all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.