Obituary of Robert Michael Engle

Robert Michael “Mike” Engle, age 62, passed away surrounded by his family on June 20, 2018, at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Meridian, Idaho.  Mike was born on August 3, 1955 in Ontario, Oregon to Robert V. “Bob” and Claudina Engle.  When Mike was 3 years old his family moved from Fruitland, Idaho to Boise, Idaho and he remained in the Treasure Valley for his lifetime.  During his growing up years Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and just about any outdoor activity.  The running joke in the family is he would be late to school every day but on fishing day he was up at 4 am wondering why everyone was so slow moving.  Mike graduated from Meridian High School in 1974 and began working in the construction industry.  In December 1975 Mike was in an automobile accident while driving to work which resulted in a traumatic brain injury.  After this accident Mike was in a coma with the prediction of little to no recovery.  As is Mike’s style, he surprised everyone and after four months he regained consciousness.  After his recovery Mike was disabled but this did not stop him from fully pursuing life.  He continued to love outdoor activities, was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, volunteered at Calvary Chapel as a greeter and worked at Wal-Mart as a greeter.  Mike loved greeting people at Wal-Mart, the children loved him as he always made sure they had free stickers or cookies and he was always helpful to those who needed assistance. Mike received the National Golden Vest Award.  As all who knew Mike would say he did not know a stranger. He made friends everywhere he went with his wonderful smile and infectious laugh. He loved his children deeply and out of all the names he was known by, his favorite was Dad.  In May 2013 Mike suffered a severe stroke and spent the last five years of his life in a care facility. Despite the challenges he faced physically Mike’s sense of humor and love for others continued and many who visited him say they felt encouraged by him.  Mike’s faith was very important to him and he clearly communicated he was going to Heaven to be with Jesus and family that had gone before him.

Mike is survived by his parents, Bob and Claudina Engle, his sister, Tammy (Scott) Morehouse and his four living children Michele (Ryan) Rickerl, Sunshine (James) Drennon, Rachel (Joe) Keenan and Ben (Brittany) Engle.  He has 14 grandchildren and his first great grandchild is due in August.  Mike was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jennifer Dawn Kingman, and we know they are now celebrating in heaven together.  Mike has several life-long friends but his best friend, “Sandog” Hiatt, he called his brother.

A memorial service and reception will be held at Summers Funeral Home located at 3629 East Ustick Road, Meridian, Idaho on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 10:00 am.  The family would like to especially thank Dr. Sarah Wilson, the nursing staff on the Telemetry floor and Chaplain Rick at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center for the excellent care Mike and our family received as he made his journey to heaven.