David M. Engelken, 59, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka after a hard-fought battle with colon cancer.

David was born February 21, 1959, in Axtell, KS to Aloysius “Wishy” and Marjorie (Heideman) Engelken. He grew up in Seneca, KS attending St. Peter & Paul grade school and Nemaha Valley High School. As a young man, David worked at his parents’ grocery store on Main Street in Seneca. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed hosting large dances and bringing bands to perform at the Seneca Community Building. He later moved to Topeka, KS where he managed Food4Less & several Falley’s grocery stores.

David married Barbara Stallbaumer on May 2, 1981 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. The couple had two children and celebrated nearly 38 years of marriage.

After returning home to Seneca in 1993 to raise his family, David ran the buses for the Nemaha Valley School District for more than a decade earning numerous safety awards. He ran the Phillip 66 convenience store and gas station and served on the Seneca City Council for a number of years. David was also a longtime supporter of the Seneca American Legion baseball program where he enjoyed attending games and creating the printed schedule for many years.  

In 2012, David and Barb returned to Topeka where David was employed by Tank Management Services until the time of his death.

In his free time, David enjoyed attending concerts, working in his yard, watching KU sports & the Kansas City Royals. You could often find him sitting on his deck enjoying a good cigar, exploring the aisles of a well-organized grocery store, or playing with his granddaughters, Audra & Ryann Parks.

David was proceeded in death by his father, Aloysius “Wishy” Engelken on January 11, 2004. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; their children, Briena (Matthew) Parks and Dylan of Topeka; granddaughters, Audra & Ryann Parks of Topeka; his mother, Marjorie Engelken of Seneca; four brothers, Daryl “Joe” of Benton, Randy and Ron of Seneca and Dale “Odie” of Topeka; and a sister, Dana Emmert of Seneca.

Rosaries will be prayed on Wednesday, December 19th at 2 & 7 PM at the Lauer Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, December 20th  at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given for the Sons of the American Legion or Midland Hospice House.
Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .