William Steven Engelmann

William Steven Engelmann, age 60, passed away peacefully at Mercy South Hospital on Monday, June 5, 2023. Loving husband of Susan Bene’ Engelmann, beloved dad of Bradley Engelmann; father-in-law of Angelica Engelmann, Paw Paw to Wren and Margaret Engelmann. Dear son of Patricia Hirons Jay and William Engelmann and step-son of Dawn Engelmann. Loved Brother of Stacy Jay Malcom (Rob). George and Jason (Ka) Engelmann. Dear nephew, uncle, great-uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, coworker, friend and neighbor.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Shawn Jay, grandparents, OP and Rosemary Hirons, George and Betty Engelmann and his step-father, Robert Jay.

Bill worked hard. He was raised on his grandparents farm in Mt. Vernon, IL. At the age 0f 7, his Mom and Step-dad moved to the Metro St. Louis area. He attended Oakville Senior High where he wrestled, played football and threw shot put in track and field. He helped his parents with their many businesses through the years; gas station, deli, ice cream trucks, bottling and vending. His work on the farm and with his parents taught him the work ethic he was known for.

Bill’s first career path was in cooking. He was a chef, working in the local hotels and fine dining establishments; He was awarded Manager of The Year at the Hilton Hotel Plaza Frontenac in 1998. His final years of cooking were spent with Aramark Corporation where he worked at CitiCorp, running their corporate and executive dining. He was chosen to serve at the 2000 Sydney Olympics which was a huge honor.

Bill began working for Duneman Demolition in 2001 where he worked until his death; he was a member of Laborers Local 110 Union. He loved the brother-hood his company and the union afforded him.

Bill played hard. He loved to party, dance, laugh and raise a glass. He played indoor soccer, basketball, church softball, men’s baseball and his most beloved sport, rugby. Bill enjoyed pheasant hunting and fishing. He was an active Member of the St. Louis Hornet’s Rugby club for 15 years, then a member of the Old Boys Club.

Bill loved to travel. Trips to Jamaica, St. Thomas, North Dakota to see the kiddos and our annual Destin trip with his Wisconsin family. Bill always drove straight through to the destination due to excitement(and not wanting to spend money on a hotel)!

Bill loved to entertain. He loved to throw fire-pit driveway parties, garage parties, pool parties; always cooking and providing everything so people’s bellies were full of some of the best cooking in St. Louis!

Bill was always willing to lend a hand. He would give the shirt off his back, give money and time and housed many family members in time of need.

Bill loved hard. He protected, preferred, and provided for his wife. Their love was a testament and is now a comfort for her. His son, Brad, was his pride and joy. They shared a bond that was tighter that tight! When his daughter-in-law and grand-babies came along, the family bond became more important and special to him. While he would tease that he wanted all grandson’s, he adared his granddaughters.

While this time is most devastating for our family, we are thankful for his life and his legacy.

In lieu of traditional services, a Celebration of Life will be held on

Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Laborers’ Local 110 Union Hall

 4532 South Lindbergh

Saint Louis, Missouri 63127 

Stop by as you are able to visit the family. A time of reflection and stories will begin around 5:15 p.m., food and beverages will be serviced with cash bar available.

Encouraging Hornets rugby attire, Hawaiian shirts, or something in safety colors, if you have it, wear it!

Donations can be made in Bill’s name to the American Stroke Association , KDHK Radio, or St. Louis Hornets Rugby Club are welcome.

15 Comments

  1. Reggie Carter Fokes on June 8, 2023 at 11:14 am

    A lovely tribute to a wonderful man. I’m so glad I knew him from Holiday Beach Resirt in Destin. Love and deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
    “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:4.



  2. Jim and Celeste Brubaker on June 8, 2023 at 12:07 pm

    We are blessed to have known Bill. Thankful for all the beautiful memories he and Sue were able make together. God is so good. We will not be able to attend Bill’s celebration of life. Know you are in our prayers. Hugs



  3. Audrey Zinsser on June 8, 2023 at 1:02 pm

    Susan,
    So sorry for your loss!
    Remembering you and your family in my prayers.



  4. Gina Wahle on June 8, 2023 at 2:13 pm

    Dearest Sue,

    I never met Bill, but I feel like I know how much you loved each other and the wonderful life built through your FB post. My heart aches for you. Sending my condolences, prayers, and hugs to you and your family.



  5. Beth Schreiber on June 8, 2023 at 3:06 pm

    Thinking of you during this difficult time. May God’s peace and all the wonderful memories see you through.



  6. Julie Waters on June 8, 2023 at 4:23 pm

    A man with a big heart. We shared wonderful childhood memories on a bucolic farm with a special grandpa. Rest In Peace my cousin.



  7. Candy Citrin on June 8, 2023 at 7:13 pm

    Dear Susan and Family,
    Such a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man! My prayers and love are with you at this time. May God surround your hearts and minds with peace and comfort! I think one of Bill’s jobs in Heaven will be as special chef for the marriage supper of the Lamb! Love, love, love! 💕



  8. Carole Shaw on June 8, 2023 at 8:58 pm

    Our deepest condolences
    We pray the peace of God that surpasses all understanding be with you and all who knew and loved him.
    May God bless you.💕



  9. Al Fague on June 9, 2023 at 7:50 am

    RIP. Wild Bill, Prayers to the family.
    Ruck n Roll in Heaven brother.



  10. Don Bene on June 10, 2023 at 2:30 am

    Bill drove in more runs and scored more runs than baseballs most prolific player per at bat in the games history Lou Gehrig in this game of life
    And he scored more runs than Ty Cobb and Pete Rose ever did in combination in how he lived and in how he loved



  11. Jesse Galgano. on June 10, 2023 at 7:30 am

    Bill was an instant friend in the most genuine sense. I know his son and have seen the quality he created. I met his wife and saw he had an eye for worth. I ate his food and tasted his lust for life. It’s unique to have met someone and quickly become fond of them in so many facets.
    Bill, thank you. You are missed dearly.



  12. Greg and Marlene Kamienski on June 10, 2023 at 12:53 pm

    I’ve known Bill for years and it took us awhile to figure out each other’s dry humor but when he invited me to join family and friends for food I knew that we were truly friends. Thanks Bill and peace to you Susan 🙏



  13. John Fitzgerald on June 10, 2023 at 4:52 pm

    RIP Billy. Privileged to have played rugby with you and I still remember that big laugh!



  14. Stacy Jay Malcom on June 11, 2023 at 1:56 pm

    Dearest big brother,
    I love you. I can’t imagine a future without you in our family. So many memories of growing up with you. Your favorite name for me as a kid was “baby Jay,” you rolled me up in carpets, you locked me in closets at granpa’s, and so many other memories of your humor and quick wit.
    As your sister I know you over came so many things to grow into the man you became. You were a wonderful husband to Susan, a phenomenal father, uncle, son, brother, cousin, brother in law, grandson, grandpa and friend to others.You had a heart of gold and I wonder if you knew how many lives you touched in such a positive way with spending time with people and supporting them when needed. Big brother you were tough as nails in life and larger than life to me. You taught me many things that you were probably unaware of, qualities of good character, and the importance of forgiveness. It was a privilege to be your sister. Rest now big brother, your life here is done. I know you will watch over us all and one day we will all be reunited in joy and happiness. Much love from your Lil sis.



  15. Barry Pulley on July 25, 2023 at 10:04 am

    I was just found out a few days ago of Bill’s passing when I received Susan’s letter letting me know. I was unaware because our worlds had basically drifted apart over the years. He will forever be known to me as Steve, as that is the name he went by in high school. He and Tim Nothum and I were best friends and did everything together, from church softball, volleyball, and basketball, to dances, going to movies, high school sporting events, hanging out at each others houses, and every once in a while getting into trouble together. He was a great athlete, cook, worker, and of course a great friend. If you were with him you knew that you were going to be laughing as he had a dry sense of humor, and he was a real tease also. He will be missed! Steve, Love you man!



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