- Date Of Birth: March 31, 1932
- Date Of Death: April 19, 2021
- Spouse: Margritt A. Engel
- Resting Place: Chitina
- City: Anchorage
- State: Alaska
August W. “Gus” Engel was born March 31, 1932, in Affton, Mo., as the oldest son of August J. and Olga Engel (nee Singer). He died quite unexpectedly of natural causes on April 19, 2021, in Anchorage, Alaska.
Gus grew up and attended elementary and high school in Mascoutah, Ill., helping with the farm work at an early age. In 1950, he enlisted in the Air Force which, in 1952, shipped him to “overseas duty” at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage. His stay here kindled his interest in geology. Therefore, in 1956, having left the service in 1954, he returned to study mining engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. There, he met the love of his life, Margritt Bunge, a foreign student scholarship recipient from Frankfurt/Main, Germany. Lack of funds brought the pair back to Illinois, where they were married in 1960, and Gus completed his training as a licensed Aircraft and Powerplant Mechanic at East St. Louis Aeronautical College.
In 1966, when Margritt accepted a teaching job at Alaska Methodist University, they moved to Anchorage, where they’ve been living ever since. In the early 70s, Gus studied electronics at Anchorage Community College. In 1976, as luck would have it, he was hired as A&P mechanic for the Aircraft Section of the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game just when AMU closed its doors and Margritt became unemployed. He was extremely conscientious and an extraordinary mechanic with all things mechanical and electronic. He employed his talents at home as well. He could fix anything and was willing to help out others when asked.
When Margritt gained full-time employment with the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1987, Gus took early retirement to devote himself to other interests, of which he had a multitude. He had many talents and an insatiable curiosity. He was an avid collector of a great variety of books, magazines and objects. Gus loved to be outdoors; he was a devoted berry picker, insulator collector, Valley produce harvester and salmon dip-netter.
In addition to his wife, Margritt A. Engel, he is survived by sisters, Darlene Schaperkoetter and Sharon Jung (Charlie) of Mascoutah; nieces, Melanie Wilhelm, Debbie Alasatra (George) and Tiffany Taylor (Wes); nephews, Walter Engel and Josh Jung (Courtney); three grandnieces; and two grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Walter J. Engel Jr.
We all remember that Gus often entertained us with great stories. He had a wonderful sense of humor and often made us all laugh. He was a great companion who will be genuinely missed.
