Marjorie Estella Gregory Engell

Aug. 3, 1917 - May 25, 2011

WAUNETA, Nebraska -- Marjorie Estella Gregory Engell was born Aug. 3, 1917, the last of nine children, to James Foster and Stella Bell (Aughe) Gregory on the family farm south of Reynolds, Nebraska. She attended her first year of school in Reynolds before moving with her family to Byron, Nebraska for a short time and later on to Munden, Kansas, where she graduated from the eighth grade. After the death of her father, Marjorie, her mother and her sister Vera moved back to Reynolds. In 1932 the three moved to Wauneta, Nebraska, to be near two older sisters, Hazel and Pearl. Marjorie graduated from Wauneta High School in 1935. She worked as a nanny for a family in McCook, Nebraska, and later as a telephone operator in Wauneta.

On March 25, 1939, she married Delman William (Ike) Engell in Belleville, Kansas. They made their home on a farm four miles east of Wauneta, where they worked side by side for the next 51 years. They raised two children there, Jody Bell and Kip Riley.

Together, Ike and Marge enjoyed softball and play production with the Mighty Art Players. The EZ Ranch House that they remodeled was the scene of many square dances attended by family and friends.

In 1989 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Ike passed away in 1990 and Marge continued to live on the farm until she moved to Heritage of Wauneta in 2002.

Marge was a savvy business woman, avid gardener, gracious hostess, faithful friend and a formidable bridge player. She was also a devoted wife, loving mother and doting grandmother. Marge was a member of the Wauneta United Methodist Church and the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years.

Marjorie departed her earthly life on May 25, 2011, at the age of 93 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers and three sisters. Services for Marjorie were at the Wauneta United Methodist Church on May 31st with the Rev. Bonnie McCord officiating. Internment was at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta with arrangements provided by Liewer Funeral Home.

To celebrate her life, Marjorie leaves her children Larry and Jody Potthoff of Hastings, Nebraska, and Kip and Terry Engell of Wauneta; her grandchildren, Adam and Natsumi Ogura of Omaha, Nebraska, Cassy Smith of Overland Park, Kansas, Jake Smith of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Will Engell of McCook, Nebraska; her great-granddaughter, Alice Marie Ogura; her sister, Vera Winters of Amarillo, Texas; all her nieces and nephews; and a host of friends near and far.

Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta is in charge of the arrangements.