Marjorie L. (Carpenter) Engel

Marjorie L. (Carpenter) Engel, 96 years of age, of Hickman, formerly of Beatrice passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at the Haven Manor in Hickman. She was born on September 9, 1929 in Gage County to Milo and Frances (Reneau) Carpenter. Marjorie joined her big brother Dean, who was her best friend and was protective of his little sis.

Marjorie told many stories where Dean would bail her out of trouble with her horse, Rowdy. She always wanted to do what her brother did. Marjorie wanted to go hunting but her Dad said she needed to practice her shot first so he pounded a ten penny nail halfway into a tree and told her to shoot it in the rest of the way…she did! Another time, her Dad threw his hat in the air and told her to shoot it. Marjorie did and she put a hole in the crown of the hat.

Marjorie attended Rockford School where she rode her horse every day. After Rockford, she attended Holmesville High School and lettered in a variety of sports, playing on the fast pitch softball and volleyball teams. Marjorie made many friends and kept those friends forever. After graduation, she worked in Beatrice at a variety of office jobs. Marjorie was quite the math wizz!

She met Eugene Engel at the roller-skating rink. They had a great time skating and always seemed to have a great time no matter what they did. Gene joined a band part time, “The Homesteaders” as a drummer. Marjorie always went with the band to dance jobs all over southeast Nebraska and slept behind the piano so she could drive everyone home. Music was in their blood and Gene and Marj danced their way through life with square dancing, polkas, two-step and waltz’s. They were members of the Break and Swing Square Dance Club for over 50 years and met some of their life-long forever friends.

Being a farm kid, Marj and her Dad converted Gene, “the townie”, into a great farmer. Marj was active in the 4-H Building Fund and cooked for hundreds of hungry folks to pay off the 4-H building. She cooked for 4-H activities, extension clubs, fairs and businesses in Gage County. She always considered 4-H a part of the family life and she became a leader sharing skills in sewing and cooking. Marj did all of this while raising three kids, hundreds of baby calves and many, many chickens.

Marj and Gene enjoyed traveling but were always glad to come home. They were fortunate to see Alaska, Hawaii and many of the U.S. states. Most times, other square dancers would join them. They were great fans of waterskiing and boating became a part of their life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene of 69 years; son, James; parents, Milo and Frances; and brother, Dean. She is survived by her daughters, Susan White and husband Eric Slezak of Hickman, Carol Bullard and husband Don of Talladega, Alabama; daughter-in-law, Robyn Engel of Beatrice; grandchildren, Becky Moore of Omaha, Daniel Bragg and wife Shannon of Ooltewah, Tennessee, Julie Bragg of Adams, Jason White and wife Alex of Lincoln; eight great grandchildren, Tiannah, KeShawn, Aleea, Brooklyn, Sadie, Carter, Ozzy, Hattie; and several nieces.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice with Pastor David Bigley officiating. There will be no visitation. A luncheon will follow at Ironwood Grille, 1301 Oak Street, Beatrice, NE 68310. Memorials are suggested to the Beatrice Community Food Pantry in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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