William John Engler, Janesville  (1953 - 2012)

January 5, 1953 - October 20, 2012
William "Bill" Engler, 59, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, with his loving family by his side, after a ten month battle with cancer. Bill was born in Moline, IL, on Jan. 5, 1953, to John and Mary Ellyn (Olson) Engler. He graduated from Orfordville Parkview High School in 1971, and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1971 to 1975. He married JoAnne Case on March 31, 1988, in Jamaica. He was owner/operator of Engler Trucking for over 30 years. He was a member of St John Vianney Catholic Church in Janesville.
A humble man who refused to gossip and was never judgmental, Bill will be remembered for always finding the good in people. He never hesitated to help a friend in need, whether lending a hand or lending some money, never expecting anything in return. While Bill frequently joked that he was "the meanest dad on the block", his four children felt that he was the World's Greatest Dad. Countless others who admired him also considered Bill to be a father figure. He loved learning about science, politics, history, and anything else he could get his hands on. Whether watching documentaries on the Discovery Channel or looking through one of his kids' textbooks, he had an intense love of learning. Bill could spend his entire weekend immersed in a book; war novels and historical fiction were among his favorites. He was the world's best handy man, and could accomplish anything he set his mind to. If there was something he did not know how to do, he would spend hours at the library researching how to get the job done. Woodworking, auto mechanics, and airplanes were just a few of the hobbies he enjoyed. He was a perfectionist in everything he did, from the smallest daily tasks to enormous undertakings. He would not settle for anything but the best. Being a family cook was also one of his greatest attributes, and many people will remember him for his love of cooking. Simply put, there was nothing this man could not do.
Bill is survived by his wife of 24 years, JoAnne; his four children: Lauren, age 22, Nathan, age 20, Megan age 15, and Morgan, age 13; his siblings: Stephen Engler, Ellen (Sary) Prak, Tim (Patty) Engler, Dave (Julia) Engler, Margaret Miller, and Susan Engler; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and his favorite mutt, Tory. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Ellyn Engler; and his two sisters, Mary Burmeister and Rachel Roehl.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, at ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH, Janesville with Fr. Randy Timmerman officiating. Burial will be at Newark Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5 until 8 p.m. at WHITCOMB-LYNCH FUNERAL HOME, Janesville, and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the CHURCH. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate memorials to be put toward an education fund that will be set for his children.
The family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all family and friends who have provided comfort during this difficult time. A very special thank you to Jamie Lawrence, Bill's niece, for her love, support, and extraordinary nursing care.
Whitcomb-Lynch Funeral Home
& Cremation Services
21 S. Austin Rd., (608)752-2444
www.whitcomb-lynch.com