Roger L. Engel passed away at the Hospice House on October 5, 2014 from cancer surrounded by his family. He was born on October 24, 1935 in Gordon, Nebraska. His mom and dad packed up 6 children in a Buick in 1941 and moved to Ellensburg, Washington. After graduating from Ellensburg High School he served in the navy reserve and on active duty aboard the USS Hornet. Upon completing his service duty he studied at the UW in Seattle while working graveyard at the Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington. 

He later moved back to Ellensburg where he received his B.S. degree in Mathematics and Physics from CWU. Upon graduation he married Gail Johnson a Central student from Aberdeen, Washington in 1961. He was awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship to attend the UW where he began work on his Masters Degree in Mathematics. After a year of study Roger and Gail decided to move to Richland, Washington where he began work at Hanford at General Electric Company. When Hanford first began diversifying he worked for Computer Sciences Corporation and later joined Battelle's Pacific Northwest Laboratory. He enjoyed 28 years of work, friendships and challenges until his retirement in 1995. While working at PNL he also completed a MBA thru the University of Washington.

Roger was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting with his English pointers and friends and fishing for salmon, steelhead and walleye with his wife. He enjoyed many years at his new "job" golfing with the guys at noon at the Tri-Cities Country Club until health issues began to interfere. Above all else, Roger loved to spend time with family.

Roger worshipped at Kennewick First Lutheran Church where he participated on the council and became a member of the "A" team. The group shares in fellowship, faith and sometimes chores for the church.

He had a good sense of humor, along with a strong faith in God, country and family. We miss his presence but are joyful he has gone to be with the Lord and is free of pain. Join us for a Celebration of Life service Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the Kennewick First Lutheran Church on the corner of Yelm and Highway 395.

Roger is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gail, daughters Denise (Ron) Anderson, Sydney Engel, Christine (Shawn) LeVine, two grandchildren, Ashley Anderson and Wyatt LeVine, brother Delmar (Betty) Engel, Lee (Nancy) Engel, Larry (Laurabelle) Engel and sister, Margie Aanonson. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Louie and Margie Engel, brother, Donald Engel, and brother-in-law, Andy Aanonson.

In lieu of flowers please send a gift to the TCC Hospice House, or Kennewick First Lutheran Memorial Fund.