Katharina 'Kathe' Magdalena Engel, 87
In the early morning hours of April 4, 2023, our beloved Katharina Magdalena Engel passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior.
She was known by most as Kathe, Mom, Grandma or Oma. She was affectionately nicknamed “Shorty” by her loving husband, Paul, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. Together, they grew a loving family of three children, seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren (with one on the way). Her family was her pride and joy and there was never an opportunity missed to let each of us know how much she loved us.
Kathe was the third of four siblings born July 19, 1935, to Ludwig Awender and Katharina Hammess-Awender in Ernsthausen, Banat, Yugoslavia. Her time in Yugoslavia began an idyllic one. Her family farmed the land in their small village, surrounded by family and friends. Her wonderful early childhood was interrupted by the devastation of World War II. During the course of the war, her father was separated from the family and the rest of their village was forced into camps controlled by the Russians. Her mother’s fortitude kept her remaining family members alive through their time at the camp and beyond when she eventually led them to escape to the safety of Germany. Honoring the instructions of their father, their mother eventually led the family across the ocean to America where they settled in Southern California.
While attending English class as she worked toward her American citizenship, she would meet the love of her life and devoted husband, Paul Engel. They married Jan. 26, 1957, and began to build a family together. They remained with extended family for many years in Cherry Valley, Calif. In 1977, they set out to seek a quieter life in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she would continue to raise her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and be a shining light of the love of Jesus to anyone she came in contact with.
She and Paul could always be seen at the kids and grandkids sporting events, school events, and countless family gatherings, rarely missing the opportunity to be with family. She touched many lives with her sweet, caring personality and beautiful smile, radiating God’s love with her tender heart. She was a prayer warrior for her family, friends, congregation, and strangers. Blessings were prayed over all who crossed her path. She had a wonderful way of sharing our Lord’s word, touching and guiding many to Him. Not many know, she was also a talented yodeler!
Over the years, they have been active in various churches in the area, making many friends and touching many lives. They were always eager to lend a hand even during the times they needed a hand themselves. The same love and concern she had for the souls of her family members was extended to anyone in need. Even in her last days, she radiated God’s love in her smile and tender heart.
Her greatest concern in this life was to live in such a way that honored her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her wish was that all would come to Him and find the eternal peace she has now — a simple desire with an exceptional eternal benefit. She would want all who read this to know they are loved and that the God of all creation wishes for an eternal relationship with you. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
She has left an amazing legacy behind of love, generosity, and faith. Our Lord placed her in this moment in time for a divine purpose and we were so blessed to be part of her time here. Loving, gracious, grateful, humble, faithful — we are certain she has been told “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We will miss you and, until we see you again, “Love you. God bless you too”.
She is preceded in passing by her mother, father, brother Stephan Awender and sister Ellie Bolowich. She is survived by her husband, Paul Engel, her little sister, Gerda (Trudy) Awender, her son, George Engel and his wife, Theresa Engel, her daughter, Irene Hoye, and her husband, Clifford Hoye, her daughter, Mary Hall, and her husband, Cody Hall; her beloved grandchildren, Kim (Engel) Wilhelm, Jessica (Engel) Craft, CJ Hoye, Renae (Hoye) Anderson, Katie (Hoye) Adrian, Owen Hall and Evan Hall; and her beloved great-grandchildren in order of age: Rylan, Madison, Harper, Addilyn (Addi), Houston, Malachi (Mac), Hudson, Hazel, Paislee, Elijah (Eli), Freya, Florence, Remington, Christopher and baby Craft, scheduled to arrive in June.
On behalf of our family, we extend the invitation to celebrate her life and passage into Heaven on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Altar Church at 901 E. Best Ave., Coeur d’Alene.
