Jesse Engel, 70

Jesse Joseph Engel was born in Ontario, Ore., on Nov. 9, 1953, to Glen and Eva Gilbert. He was raised just across the river from the Hospital in Idaho. At the age of 13, his family moved to Black Canyon City, Ariz., for his parents' health.

After returning to Idaho in 1970, Jesse joined the Army. He attended the United States Signal School in Fort Gordon, Ga., where he acquired a degree in electronics. He was deployed with the 294th Assault Helicopter Company in Bupyong, Korea. After his unit was deactivated, he was assigned to the 128th Assault Helicopter Company, Uijongbu, Korea.

Jesse returned home and married his fiancée, Chang Hae Sun. After the marriage, they were stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where his daughter, Jeannie, was born in July 1973. After Jesse's training while assigned to E troop, 7 of 17 Cavalry as Company Clerk and Chaplin's assistant, he returned to the 128th Assault Helicopter Company, Uijongbu, Korea, with his family in October 1973. Jesse resigned from the Army in August 1975 and was later divorced. 

Jesse returned to Idaho, where he worked as a Police Officer and for Dame Lumber and Molding in Fruitland, Idaho, he also moonlighted at the truck stop in Ontario, Ore. In a turn of events, Jesse left Idaho for Anaheim, Calif., in 1976. Jesse worked for his uncle, Paul, and a local gas station as a manager. In Anaheim, he met Sharon Lee Cutts, whom he married in August 1977 and remained with until 2006. While married, they had five children: Cassandra, Laura, Megan, James and Andrew. Jesse worked for Disneyland as a Ride Control Technician / Electrician while living in Riverside, Calif., for 26 years.

He then moved to LaBarge, Wyo., where Jesse worked as an Automation Specialist in the oil fields. Moving to Wyoming, the isolation was too much for his wife. She left, and they later divorced. While in Wyoming, Jesse worked as a project manager for an Oil Company and Gas plant. Jesse later remarried while working in the Gas and Oil industry in Bakersfield, Calif., and was divorced in less than two years. 

He returned to Idaho to spend time with his dad, along with his brother, Harold. On Oct. 29, 2009, Sarah Hyechong Suh and Jesse were married in Fruitland, Idaho. Ten months later, Jesse was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer. With God's help, they spent almost 15 years together. Both rejoiced in the Lord their God and the loving fellowship they spent together all these years. Jesse wrote eight books, tied flies and enjoyed fishing and road trips with his wife, Sarah.

Surviving members of the immediate family: (wife) Sarah Hyechong Suh Engel, (brother) Harold Lee Gilbert, (daughters) Jeannie, Cassandra, Laura, Megan and (sons) James and Andrew.

Who preceded them in death: (father) Glenn Elvin Gilbert, (mother) Eva Helen Lloyd, (sister) Eva Eileen, and (brother) Steven Wayne Gilbert.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, Wash., is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com.