Bernard L. Engels, 74, of Mendota, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at OSF St. Katherine Medical Center in Dixon. He was born March 23, 1950, in LaSalle, the son of Leo and Margaret (Funfsinn) Engels. He married Vicki Althaus on April 16, 1982.

Bernie grew up in Peterstown, graduating from Peterstown Grade School before attending St. Bede Academy, graduating in 1968. He obtained his bachelors degree from Loyola University Chicago in 1972. He graduated from the University of Detroit with his Juris Doctorate degree. Bernie moved back to Mendota after law school and worked for Armstrong, Surin, and Engels in Ottawa. He later moved his law practice to Mendota, where he partnered with Wayne Whitmore to form Whitmore and Engels. Bernie stayed at his practice in Mendota until his retirement in 2017. Bernie was a member of Prairie State Legal Services, where he did pro bono work, and numerous area bar associations. He was most proud of his education and his family, especially his grandkids.

Bernie is survived by seven children, Eric (Sara) Engels of Tonica, Christian (JoAnna) Engels of Mendota, Michael (Candice) Campeggio of Dunlap, IL, Robin (Michael) Dean of Ottawa, Beth (Erik) Bodmer of West Brooklyn, Candy Campeggio of Mendota, and Carter (Sidney) Engels of Mendota; nineteen grandchildren, Ava and Eve Engels, Alyssa, Bailey, and Leo Engels, Michael, Callie, and Cami Campeggio, Meghan, Joseph, and Aren Dean, Madelyn and Natalie Bodmer, Teghan, Marly, and Lex Tillman, Finley and Everly Bonnell, and Ryker Engels; a great-grandson, Levi Rouse, and one on the way; five siblings, Mary Lou (Arne) Jahr of Cable, WI, Bill (Cindy) Engels of Gilbert, AZ, Leann (Ron) Urbanski, of Granville, Robert Engels of Mendota, and Donna Engels of Ladd; brother-in-law, Michael Ray of Sumter, SC; sister-in-law, Debi Drypolcher of Chicago; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernie is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vicki Engels; and a sister, Diane Ray.

Memorial visitation will be from 9-11 A.M. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, in Mendota immediately followed by a prayer service at 11 A.M. Interment will follow in Restland Cemetery in Mendota. Contributions in Bernie's name may be directed to St. Bede Academy or to the family for a memorial to be established. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.