Narleen Ardith Engel

Narleen A. Engel, 83, passed away at home in Sheridan, Wyoming, on July 31, 2026.

Narleen was born on January 2, 1943, in Sharon, North Dakota, to Arthur and Norma (Fuglem) Dronen. She was the twin sister of Norman and grew up in a family of six siblings. She dearly loved her two sisters, three brothers, and her childhood on the family farm. Narleen grew up in Sharon and graduated from Sharon High School. After finishing school, she worked at Union Hospital in Mayville, North Dakota.

Narleen married Horace “Bill” Engel on January 5, 1963, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sharon, North Dakota. After their marriage, they moved to Hill Air Force Base in Utah, where Bill was serving in the Air Force. Their daughter, Christy, was born while they were living in Utah. After Bill completed his military service, they returned to Hatton, North Dakota, so he could continue his schooling. During that time, Narleen continued nursing alongside her mother-in-law, Frances.

When Bill completed school, he accepted a position with Montana-Dakota Utilities, and the family moved to Sheridan, Wyoming. Their son, Steve, was born on August 8, 1970. Narleen was a stay-at-home mom until a neighbor and friend encouraged her to apply for a position as a cook at Linden School in the Sheridan County School District. She often said how much she loved her job and the children she cooked for. Even long after retiring as the district coordinator, former students still stopped her to tell her how much they loved her cinnamon rolls.

Narleen loved her husband, children and grandchildren deeply and always put them before herself. In her later years, her great-grandchildren, Liam and Hugo, were the light of her life, and their bond was truly special. Everyone who met Narleen considered her a friend. All who knew her recognized her deep love for God and her generous spirit. She was very involved in Trinity Lutheran Church and many charitable activities. She was a special woman who would do anything for someone in need. It has been said time and again that if she is not with God, nobody is.

Narleen is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughter, Christy Engel; her grandson, Jarrod Huska, and his wife, Jenn; her granddaughter, Nicole, and her husband, Miller Goughneour; her great-grandsons, Liam and Hugo; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her son, Steve; her parents, Arthur and Norma; and her siblings Norman, Annette (Dean) Tronson, Dorothy (Jerry) Skalicky, Sherman, and Gene.

Narleen’s smile lit up every room, and she was a light who will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. We take comfort in knowing she is with God and reunited with loved ones in Heaven, and that we will be reunited with her again.

A Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with a dessert reception to follow.

Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/. Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.