Robert Ray Engel

Engel, Robert R. 4/16/1936 - 1/5/2016 Portage, MI Robert "Bob" Engel of Portage, MI, died on Tuesday, January 5th, 2016. He was 79 years old. Bob was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was born on April 16, 1936 in Batesville, IN, and was raised by his mother and stepfather, Cora and Bud Engel. Bob was a starting forward on the 1954 Milan High School boys' basketball team from a school of just 161 students. The Indians defeated Muncie Central (with 2,220 students) in the Indiana State Basketball Championship game. That year's Milan team served as the inspiration for the movie, Hoosiers. After high school, Bob served two years in the army before marrying Saundra Hartman in 1964. They moved to Portage, MI, where Bob worked for 36 years for General Motors. He worked 3rd shift his entire career so he could help coach his children's sports' teams, traveling to most of their games throughout college. Bob and Saundra enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards and hosting dinners at their home, and were married for almost 50 years at the time of Saundra's death in 2014. Bob and Saundra helped take care of their granddaughters for six years. Bob could often be seen taking walks with his grandchildren, playing baseball on his front lawn, or passing out dog treats to neighborhood dogs. He always had a positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humor. Nothing meant more to Bob than family, which was exemplified by how much time he spent with his children, grandchildren and extended family. His generosity and kind heart were an inspiration to all. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Saundra Engel (8/9/2014). Bob is survived by his son, Chad Engel and daughter-in-law Holly, and daughter, Shannon Reeves and son-in-law Brian. He is a beloved grandfather to Sophia, Evan, Lucas, Breanne, Reagen and Kinley. He is brother to surviving sibling, Betty Shorten. He will be deeply missed. A memorial in his honor will be held at The Grill Room at the Moors Golf Club, 7877 Moorsbridge Road in Kalamazoo, from 1-6 pm on Saturday, February 13th. Friends and family are invited to come share stories, pictures and memories. All are welcome. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Kalamazoo Humane Society, 4239 S. Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.