LA CROSSE — Mary A. Engel, 73, died July 20 at her home.  Born Jan. 6, 1941 at Hays, she was the daughter of Joseph H. and Albina (Billinger) Orth.
On Feb. 3, 1962, she married Duane G. Engel at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays.  He died Sept. 19, 2009.
A resident of La Crosse for over 50 years, she was the publisher and editor of The Rush County News and co-owner of Triple E Enterprises LLC.  She was a 1959 graduate of Girls Catholic High School, Hays and attended St. Mary College, Leavenworth.
She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, La Crosse and St. Michael Altar Society.  She was a former member of St. Michael’s Pastoral Council, Liturgical Committee, Faith Sharing Group, Altar Society officer and a former CCD (religious education) teacher.
She was also a member of the Rush County Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas Press Association.  She was a former Boy Scout leader, Girl Scout Leader and a former member of La Crosse High School Booster Club and Band Mothers.
After her love of God, her greatest love was her family and the newspaper.  She enjoyed family get-togethers, reading books, researching family and area history and collecting a wide array of items.
Survivors include: two sons, Tim Engel and companion Eyvonne Clarke and Troy Engel and wife Leslie, all of La Crosse; one daughter, Melissa Engel and husband Dana Jay of La Crosse; five grandchildren, Amanda Engel of Hays, Aubrey Engel of Emporia, Dylan Engel of Dodge City, Andrew Jay and Alex Jay, both of La Crosse; two step-grandchildren, Morgan West and Kadin Tower of La Crosse; one brother, Clair Orth and wife Marian of Fort Worth, Texas; four sisters-in-law, Catherine Wahlmeier and Jeannette Orth, both of Hays, Donna Engel of Hill City, and Diana (Engel) Gallegos and husband Raymond of Galatia; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and her faithful dog, Tootsie.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents; her mother-in-law and step-father-in-law Leona (Engel) and Cy Kreutzer; four brothers, Ralph Orth, Earl Orth, Leroy Orth and Harold Orth; and one sister-in-law, Leonilda (Orth) Hall.
Funeral Mass will be Thursday, July 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, La Crosse with the Reverends Matthew Kumi and Rene Labrador officiating.  Interment will be at La Crosse City Cemetery.  Visitation will be Wednesday, July 23, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse.  The family will be present from 6 to 7 p.m. to greet guests.  A prayer service and Altar Society Rosary will be at 7 p.m.  The family has suggested memorials to St. Michael Church, American Cancer Society, Rush County Relay for Life or the donor’s choice.  Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Funeral arrangements are by
Janousek Funeral Home**
719 Pine, La Crosse, KS
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, July 22, 2014