Jeffrey D. Engel

Jeffrey D. Engel, 65, of Jim Falls, died Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Oakwood Health Services in Altoona after a battle with cancer.

He was born June 24, 1960, to Eugene and Beverly (Hagestad) Engel. He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1978. He had many memories of his young life driving milk truck and helping with the family business, Engel Trucking. Jeff was a jack-of-all trades and worked in various industries, but he loved working outdoors the most. He enjoyed working for Senn Blacktop prior to retiring.

On June 9, 1978, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and discovered his love to travel. He developed lifelong friends, or “brothers” there, who still are connected and supporting one another to this day. He was honorably discharged in June of 1982.

Jeff loved adventure. He was a true nomad, and he spent several seasons wintering in Arizona. His “best life” included traveling in his sleeper van and spending time with his dog, Shiloh. He enjoyed cooking outside and made the best hamburgers ever!

Jeff was blessed with many great friends in his life who were always there to support him. He was a humble and generous man, almost to a fault. He didn’t like to ask for help, and it was difficult for him to accept it from others. He was grateful for the support from the VA and Mayo Hospital caregivers who provided him comfort in his last days.

Jeff is survived by his siblings, Randy Engel of Menomonie, Kathy Peterson of Chippewa Falls, and Pam Arneson (Bruce Pronschinske) of West Salem, WI; brother Dave’s fiancée, Louret Broecker of Birchwood; special aunt, June Engel of Chippewa Falls; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Engel; and brother-in-law, David Peterson.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 29 at Prairie View Cemetery in the village of Lake Hallie. Military Honors will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

A celebration of life will follow from 12 – 3 p.m. at Loopy’s, 10691 County Hwy X, Chippewa Falls.