Lynn Engels 1956-2024
Lynn Engels, age 67, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024, at GracePoint Watertown Church. Pastor Jim Biswell and Pastor Denny Wright will officiate.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD, from 2-6 p.m.
Family has requested casual dress and to bring your hot rods and motorcycles. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Lynn’s Racing friends and other friends he met along the way. Active pallbearers will be Tim Engels, Doug Engels, Tyler Waege, John McLaughlin and Ryan Van Dusseldorp.
Lynn was born on July 6, 1956, in Watertown, SD to Milton “Pete” and Pearl Engels. He was raised in Castlewood where he later attended and graduated from Castlewood High School.
Lynn had a love for cars that started with his dislike for life on the farm. His mechanics career started with working for Paul Hulscher at his garage in Castlewood. After Paul’s passing in 1977, Lynn took over the shop. In 1979 Lynn purchased the Skelly station and produced Lynn’s Skelly in Watertown. In the early 1990s Lynn built Service Plus and moved it to its current location before selling it in 2003. Lynn purchased a convenience store which he still owned and operated at the time of his passing.
His passion for automobiles, especially drag cars and Corvettes, was evident to all who knew him. A proud Harley Davidson owner, he found solace in the rumble of his bike and the freedom of the open road. Lynn’s love for travel took him to race tracks across the United States, where he not only pursued his passion for speed but also forged lasting friendships within the racing community. His presence at these events was a source of joy and enthusiasm, and he will be remembered for his unwavering support and sportsmanship. Lynn took pride in everything that he did.
Lynn is survived by his three children, Ryan Engels, Watertown, SD, Pete (Tina) Waege, Watertown, SD, Jeni (Curtiss) Hepler, Hammonds Port, NY; significant other, Kimberly Strohschein, Watertown, SD, and her daughter, Natalie (Cody) Brinkman, Watertown, SD; two brothers, Tim Engels, Watertown, SD, Doug (Koryn Steen) Engels, Watertown, SD; three sisters, Jill (Curt) Luken, Hazel, SD, Kristi (John Head) Engels, Watertown, SD, Cindy (Troy) Everson, Marana, AZ; eight grandchildren, Paige, Tai, Carsyn, Chevelle, Tyler, Sunni, Rowan, and Mya; two great-grandchildren, Atticus and Scarlet.
Lynn was preceded in death by his parents Milton “Pete” and Pearl Engels, one brother Jeff Engels, and one grandson Race Engels.
Arrangements by Crawford Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant, Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham.
