Frances J Engel

Frances Johanna Engel passed away peacefully on October 15, 2021 in Modesto at the age of 95.  Frances was born on April 16, 1926 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to parents, Rev. John and Alice Ehlers.  She has been a resident of Ripon for the past 56 years. 

Frances taught first grade for 23 years at Ripon Christian School.  She was active at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church as an organist and Ladies Aid member.  Frances also gave countless hours as a volunteer at the church as well as Bethany Home.  She loved to travel and would put together travel slideshows to share her adventures.  When she wasn’t teaching or volunteering, Frances was busy being a homemaker, tending to her family, cooking and sewing.  She made sure everyone was always taken care of.  She will be remembered for her loving nature, keen intelligence and unfailing loyalty to her friends and family.

Frances leaves behind her children, Charlene Engel, Twyla Engel and Randy Engel (Janet), her granddaughters, Janelle Mulder (Greg) and Kelly Engel (Willem Hoekstra) and her great grandchildren, Noelle and Garret Mulder.  Frances is preceded in death by her husband of almost 66 years, Jake Engel, her infant daughter, Corrinne Engel and her siblings, Henrietta Buurma, Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers and Clarence John Ehlers.

Deegan Funeral Chapels is honored to serve the Engel family.  A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 30 at 11 AM at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Ripon.  Donations in her memory may be made to Ripon Christian Schools.