Roland R. Engel

Roland R. Engel, 78, formerly of Wood River, NE died on Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Select Specialty Hospital in Tucson, AZ.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 25, 2025 at First Faith United Methodist Church in Grand Island with Rev. Ray Stone officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, April 24th at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Visitation will conclude with Masonic Rites. Memorials are suggested to the Shriners Children Hospital or the RiteCare Speech and Hearing Clinic in Hastings.

Roland was born on February 19, 1947 in Grand Island, NE to Raymond and Mildred (Harris) Engel. He grew up in Wood River and graduated from Wood River High School in 1965. He joined the United States Army on September 23, 1967 and served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on July 10, 1969. He was united in marriage to Sandra Hansen on September 15, 1968. The couple made Wood River their home where he had a cow/calf operation, farmed and ran a trucking company.

He was a member of the First Faith United Methodist Church, Masons, Shriners, Sojourners, and the Saddle Club. In his retirement, he took up and enjoyed wood carving, camping, traveling and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Locke Engel; daughter, Trina (Brad) Brown; two grandchildren, Kailee and Elijah; sisters, Gayelyn (Carl) Harris, Janna Cornelius, Patryce (Everette) France; sister-in-law, Rona Lee Sutton.

He was preceded in death by his parents.