Karl J.A. Engel, 86, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 in Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg. Karl was residing in Hamburg, but formerly resided on Snyder Drive, Leesport, from August 1960 until April 2019. He grew up in Shoemakersville PA.
Karl was the husband of Ella M. (Miller) Engel, who died September 7, 2018.
Born in Shoemakersville, he was the son of the late Israel R. and Elsie M. (Althouse) Engel. He was a 1953 graduate of Perry High School; and attended Albright College for one year. Karl was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving on the USS Zellars DD-777. He was an avid photographer during his cruises throughout the Mediterranean documenting historic sites he visited and other Navy vessels he encountered. Karl was a customer service engineer for IBM for twenty-eight years, retiring in 1987. He was most recently a member of the former Trinity United Church of Christ, Leesport. After retirement, Karl occupied himself as a member of Bern Township Lions Club and Ontelaunee Grange #1617, and worked part-time at the Leesport Auction. Karl and his wife Ella were very interested in genealogy well before the electronic age. Karl enjoyed photography in general and building and flying RC model airplanes as a member of Tri-County Wing Snappers. He spent lots of time in his woodshop and working on his tractors and mowing grass.
Karl and Ella had a very special relationship with a close group of friends who called themselves '1013'. The group spent time doing all types of activities including vacations, dinners, family get-togethers and pranks. The strong bond lasted from 1980 to present.
Karl is survived by three sons: Peter K. Engel, husband of Lisa, Lansdowne; Thomas K. Engel, husband of Tricia, Windsor Twp.; and Paul A. Engel, companion of Beverly Leviner, Bern Twp.; and five grandchildren: Amelia (Molly), Alison, Karl, Tabitha and Jacob. He was predeceased by a sister: Mary (Engel) Gundrum.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. A visitation will be held in the funeral home Saturday, March 12 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Casual attire is requested. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Bern Township Lions Club, 1020 Reber's Bridge Road, Leesport, PA 19533. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.