Jerry Engels, age 90, of New Rockford, ND, died Friday, October 21, 2016, at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, New Rockford.

Gerard John "Jerry" Engels was born on January 21, 1926, in rural New Rockford, the son of Arnold and Cornelia (Vanheesch) Engels. He grew up on the family farm in rural New Rockford and attended country school there until the 8th grade. On December 12, 1944, Jerry joined the US Navy and was honorably discharged on October 7th, 1946.

He was united in marriage to Beatrice O'Connor on January 15, 1952, at St. Joseph’s Church, in Bremen, ND. They made their home near New Rockford raising 10 children on their farm and ranch.

Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and friends that he made through the years, watching rodeos, deer hunting, ice fishing, raising Longhorn cattle, roping and helping “young people” learn to rope. He also enjoyed trail riding with his wife and family on the Circle T and Fort Totten Trail Rides.

Jerry participated in team roping and breakaway roping. His first rodeo experience was team roping with his son Jeff at a RRA rodeo in Carrington. A true cowboy, he received many honors through his roping days including the “Scott Keplin Memorial” Senior Roping at Belcourt, ND; winner of Century Roping – Roping on the river in Bismarck; and 1995 Mixed Heeler Champion at the RRA Finals in Devils Lake, ND. He was also very proud to be a Trustee for the ND Cowboy Hall of Fame.

He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Raymond B. Thorn Post #30 American Legion, Eagles, Circle T and Fort Totten Riders.

He is survived by his wife, Beaty; children, Janice Risovi, New Rockford; Jim (Mary) Engels, Jamestown; Mary Jo (Ron) Harter, Austin, TX; John Engels, Belle Fouche, SD; Joe (Merritt) Engels, Maddock; Jake (Lisa) Engels, New Rockford; Jeff (Becky) Engels, New Rockford; Karen (JR.) Peterson, Zimmerman, MN; Jodi (Eric Holtz) Engels, Alberta, Canada; son-in-law, Bob Bina, Grand Forks; 25 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one brother, Herb Engels.

Jerry was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Bina, son-in-law; Lester Risovi; brother Bill Engels; and two sisters, Adri Scharnhorst and Jo Ann Anderson.

Rosary/Vigil Service:

Monday (Oct 24th) Rosary Service 6:30PM Vigil Service at 7PM at St. John’s Catholic Church

Mass of Christian Burial:

Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 10:30AM in St. John’s Catholic Church,  New Rockford, ND

Burial:

ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND, on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 11:00AM