Mardele (Del) Lehnert Engleking

Mardele (Del) Lehnert Engleking, age 94, of Grant Park passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at his home surrounded by family. He was born July 23, 1931 at home in Grant Park, the son of Roy and Valeria (Lehnert) Engleking. He was a life-long resident of Grant Park, graduating from GPHS in 1949 and later serving on the school board and doing the clock at many high school basketball games. He served in the Army during the Korean War (1952-1954) being stationed in Germany. When he returned home he married the one and only love of his life, Ione Hamann, on August 8, 1954. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in 2025. He worked as a rural mail carrier for 33 years, retiring in 1986. He was also a purchasing agent for Park Manufacturing of Grant Park as well as the owner of Engleking Insurance Agency. He was fortunate to have had 40 years of retirement during which he loved to play golf! He was a charter member of Minne Monesse Golf Club and played at least 5 days a week including the Wednesday Night Men’s League. Two “Hole in One” trophies were a part of his many accomplishments. Together with his wife, golf was a source of enjoyment and the center for the building of many friendships. Other interests included playing cards with dear friends and being loyal Grant Park sport fans. They followed the activities of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with great pride and enthusiasm. They enjoyed traveling and spent 17 years as snowbirds in Siesta Key, Florida where they made many friends. Del was a life-long member of St. Peter’s UCC where he served on Church Council, as well as having memberships with the American Legion, the Lion’s Club, the Moose, and the Elks. He was also an avid Cubs fan. Following the passing of his wife last September, Del became a resident at the Manteno Veterans Home in Manteno. With the help of Uplifted Care he was able to “come home” to live out his last days in the home he loved being visited by family and friends. Surviving are one daughter, Pamela (Steve) Lawrence; one son, Greg (Lynn) Engleking; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey (Katie), Mark, Joshua, Brandon (Stefanie), Kaylyn (Kevin), Rick (Cathy), and Ryan (Amanda); Ten great-grandchildren, Sofia, Joseph, Qohelet, Salome, Oriahn, Mason, Alayna, Sammy, Lily, and Tyler. Del was preceded in death by his parents and one sister June Sharkey, and his wife Ione. Visitation will be held from 12 Noon until the time of the 2 p.m. funeral service on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at St. Peter's UCC in Grant Park. Interment will follow at Heusing Cemetery in Grant Park. Memorials can be made to Uplifted Care or St. Peter’s UCC of Grant Park.

Mardele (Del) Lehnert Engleking

July 23, 1931 - June 20, 2026