Mark Michael Engel

   Mark Michael Engel, 69, of South Sioux City, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at a local hospital. Private memorial services will be held at Mohr & Becker Hunt Funeral Home on Saturday, June 17, 2023. The family will be gathering at the Huddle Lounge in South Sioux City at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday to celebrate Mark’s life.

   Mark Michael Engel, “Little Chopper” was born on October 26, 1953, son of Darrel and Mary Engel.

   Mark’s pride and joy were his family, who he was very proud of.  

   He truly loved serving his family and spending time with his granddaughters: Jessica, Olivia, and Sadie, including many dance recitals.

   He was passionate about the Nebraska Cornhuskers, win or lose.  He was a great mechanic and spent countless hours working on cars, trucks and race cars with his boys Colin and Travis.

   Mark and his sons had a special bond that most people only dream about.  Mark was not just their dad, but their best friend.  According to Colin, his dad is “the man, the myth, the legend.”

   After a tragic accident, Mark became the sole caretaker of Colin. There was never a day that you didn’t see the awesome twosome together spending their days laughing, checking in on family, telling jokes, and going to lunch.  

   Mark was always about his family, which was instilled in him by his loving parents, Darrel and Mary, that taught “family first.” We were all blessed by his loving and generous ways.  Mark was one of the good guys and was a simple man, who never wanted for much but the love of family, long talks with Travis, racing cars with Colin, spending time with Cheri and enjoying her great cooking, Husker football, his truck and an ice-cold Bud.

   Some favorite memories are when Laci and Colin were about 12 years old, Mark picked them up in his ‘68 red Chevy truck.  He asked the kids if they wanted to go fast, which of course they responded “yes,”  then sped up to “super-fast” speed over the Sioux City Veteran’s Bridge.

   One of his favorite pastimes was being with friends, including every Saturday morning breakfast Club with Mike, Dan, Chad, and Colin.

   His favorite Racing reference was “Skin’er Back and Let ‘er snap”.  

   Mark loved spending time with Cheri and her sons, Chad, Gene, Joey and their families.

   Some of the best memories his family will remember is being a true ornery Irishman, Mark’s amazing hugs, contagious laughter, and his ant-bite pinches when you least expected it!

   We know that although he is gone, he will always be with us keeping watch and protecting us.  Fly high-until we see you again.  

   He is survived by his son, Travis, his wife Shelly, and their two daughters, Jessica and Olivia; son, Colin and his daughter Sadie; sister, Linda (Jim); brothers: Larry and Terry (Donna); nieces and nephews: Lori, Scott, Jase, Justin, Chris, Laci, Chance, and Kayla, and their families, and his best friend & “significant other,” Cheri. 

   Mark was preceded by his father Darrel, his mother Mary, and a brother Randy.