Linda Irene Engel (Hauk), 66, originally of Shawano, Wisconsin was unexpectedly called home to heaven on July 11, 2016 in Naperville, Illinois in connection with an automobile accident.
Linda was born in Shawano, daughter of late Arnold and Geraldine (Kort) Hauk on March 16, 1950. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Shawano Junior High, went to high school at Shawano Senior High, graduating in 1968. Linda was married to high school sweetheart Douglas Engel, also of Shawano, on September 5, 1970 having known each other since early childhood. Following their marriage they lived in Oshkosh, Milwaukee, and for the last 27 years, Naperville Illinois. Linda and Doug owned property in the Shawano area for the better part of the last 35 years and always called Shawano home.
Linda loved to spend time in her gardens, had a "green thumb", and always found a place for a wayward tree or flower in need of care. Tree frogs, toads, baby birds and all such manner of life were her friend. Her artistic bent always provided opportunities to craft something, and a roll of duct tape and some cardboard were sufficient tools to create many things. An unselfish provider and an exceptional cook, she happily made meals twice as big as the number of chairs at the table. But she will be remembered most as a caring and giving individual who was always there to help wherever, whenever, asked. Linda loved to travel and see new places and frequently joined Doug on business trips, and post retirement trips, including the East and West coasts, various parts of Europe, and Africa.
Linda is survived by: husband Doug Engel of Naperville, Illinois; son Christopher Engel of Franklin, WI; three grandchildren, Sydney Elizabeth, Kristin Elaine, and Natalie Grace; her brother Steve (Luella) Hauk of Shawano, WI and brother Daniel Hauk of Beaver Dam, WI.
A funeral mass will be held Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano, starting at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Luke Ferris officiating. Visitation will be held at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Friday, July 15th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday at the church starting at 10:00 am. Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Linda's name.
