Engel, Raymer G.

Raymer G. Engel, 96, a resident of Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Cedar Rapids, formerly of Ely, died Wednesday afternoon, March 31, 2010, at the care center. Services: 2 p.m. Monday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, by the Rev. William Harnish. Burial: Czech National Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral chapel.

Raymer is survived by four children, Pat (Richard) Schultz, George (Pat) Engel, Edward (Marcia) Engel and Susan Engel, all of Ely; grandchildren, Sonja (Kevin) Hadenfeldt, Fairfax, Benjamin Engel, Katrina (Kevin) Groves and Dr. Shannon Engel, all of Ely, and Niki (Mike) Fernholz, Shawnee, Kan.; great-grandchildren, Dylan and Teal Hadenfeldt, Isabella Engel and Preston and Lorelai Fernholz; and brother, Charles Engel, Phoenix, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 68 years, Pauline; grandson, Eric Schultz; and parents, Ignac “Pete” and Blanche (Kroulik) Engel.

Raymer was born Juen 6, 1913, in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Wilson High School. He married Pauline M. Pata on Nov. 30, 1940, at Hus Memoiral Presbyterian Church. Pauline died Nov. 5, 2008. Following their marriage, they moved to rural Ely in 1940. Raymer  farmed all of his life. During World War II he worked at Quaker Oats Co. and because of the kind of work he was doing there he received a military deferment from the government. He later worked at the Waconia Sorghum Mill.

Because Raymer loved to watch plants grow, he enjoyed raising flowers, especially peonies. He also raised vegetables and fruit and always had to have strawberries, especially for the filling of his favorite kolaches.

Raymer's family would like to express their special thanks to the staff of Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care he received.

A memorial fund has been established in Raymer's name.