Bradford Douglas Engel

Bradford Douglas Engel, age 58, of Hinckley, IL passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 10, 1965 in DeKalb, IL the son of Douglas R. and Nancy A. (Nelson) Engel.

Brad was united in marriage on March 27, 1999 to the former Jama Winnike and they spent the next nearly 25 years happily together. He was a lifelong and active member of the Hinckley First United Methodist Church in Hinckley, IL where he ran the church sound system for over 20 years. Brad was a 1983 graduate of Hinckley-Big Rock High School, having been involved in musicals and photography for the yearbook. He was a 1988 graduate of Aurora University in Aurora, IL.

Brad was formerly employed by Ace Hardware, Communications Direct, Kings Court Builders, and the Nelson Funeral Homes. Brad was instrumental in the construction and remodeling of the Nelson Funeral Homes in Illinois and the Toynton Funeral Homes in Wisconsin. He became an Eagle Scout in 1982 and served as the Scout Master of Troop #19 for seven years. His son, William, also become an Eagle Scout in 2022. Brad was formerly an active volunteer for 21 years with the Hinckley Fire Department. He was a member of the Shabbona Masonic Lodge #374 A.F. & A.M. Brad had a love for music, playing the saxophone, organ, and piano, singing in choirs, and listening to Christian and gospel music. He was very involved in and proud of his daughter’s and son’s school and sports activities. Brad was and will always be known for his support of the Hinckley community and his willingness to help anyone with any project at a moment’s notice. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin who will be deeply missed by family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Jama Engel; his daughter, Lauren Engel; his son, William Bradford Engel; his parents, Douglas and Nancy Engel; his sister, Elizabeth (Mark) Mueller; his nephew, Christian Mueller; his niece, Hannah Mueller, all of Hinckley, IL; his uncles, Philip (Dona Martin) Nelson, David (Carmen) Engel, and Bill (Wiktoria) Engel; several cousins, and many dear friends; as well as his devoted dog, Gus.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Waverly and Lavonne Nelson; his paternal grandparents, Roland and Dorothy Engel; and his uncle, Jim Engel.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Hinckley First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Sycamore St., Hinckley, IL with Pastor Derek Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the West Big Rock Cemetery in Big Rock, IL.

Friends may visit from 3:00 until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Masonic Service on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 141 N. Maple St., Hinckley, IL.

A special thank you to his devoted friends and caregivers, Danette Bulson and Dee.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or 815-286-3247.

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