Dennis Arthur Engel, 81, of Rochester, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. He was born August 12, 1944, in Merrill, Wisconsin, the son of Arthur and Leona (Krause) Engel. Dennis graduated from Stevens Point High School in 1962 and attended UW – Stevens Point where he majored in biology and chemistry, taking pre-med courses. On June 6, 1964, Dennis was united in marriage to Patricia Steele in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Dennis was a hardworking man, his many years of employment and outstanding work ethic can attest to it. After college, Dennis was appointed Assistant Manager for the Sherwin-Williams Company in Stevens Point, where he worked diligently from April 1966 to November 1969. During November 1969, he was promoted to Store Manager where he accepted more responsibilities and would continue his career at the Owatonna store, where the whole family would move to. As he thrived at the Sherwin-Williams store in Owatonna, in May 1976, Dennis was promoted to Industrial Sales Representative, where he would work out of the Minneapolis office until he accepted an offer from Diamond Vogel in September 1978 and worked until his tentative retirement in 2013. Dennis reignited his career by founding Engel Industrial Coatings LLC while continuing his partnership with Diamond Vogel Paints in Orange City, Iowa, until his official retirement in 2024. He was an unstoppable force, working dawn until dusk and always striving for excellence.

He was involved in numerous social and professional organizations. Dennis was an active speaker for MNTAP and Minnesota Technology Schools, a state chairman for Minnesota Junior Miss for four years, a judge for Miss Minnesota (Miss America) for 15 years, and involved with Minnesota Junior Miss for 14 years. He was active in the Owatonna Jaycees for 10 years, the Chairman of United Way for five years, on his church council for five years, a past Master Masonic Lodge, past Patron Eastern Star, in Retail Council, Exchange Club for eight years, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. His career in industrial coatings was marked by deep professional involvement, including serving as a member of the Chemical Coaters Association International for 12 years and as its past President. Dedication to making his community a better place also consisted of volunteering at the hospice house and arranging the installation of the fountain.

Dennis loved traveling with his wife, Pat, to lighthouses. He also loved collecting lighthouses and learning the history and mechanics of them.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia of Rochester; daughter, Sherry (George) Rysavy of Owatonna; son, Brett (Suzanne) Engel of Palestine, TX; his grandchildren: Zachary, Alexander, Madelyn, Kristen, Elijah, Megan, Hayden, and Zane; four great-grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Linda Engel; and his sister, Bonnie Stratton.

A memorial service will be held at Trinty Lutheran Church in Owatonna on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11 am with a visitation one hour prior. A celebration of life will take place from 1 pm - 3 pm following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family so they can give to the many causes that Dennis supported.