Deborah Ann Engel

Deborah Ann Engel, beloved wife to Chuck and mother to her two daughters, Taylor and Allison, passed away peacefully in her home on August 21st, 2025 after a courageous six-year battle with renal cell carcinoma.

Deborah was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 25th, 1966, to Vernon and Marlis Montroy. She attended St Raphael's Catholic School and graduated from Robbinsdale-Cooper High School in 1984. Deb went on to earn her Associate Degree of Nursing from North Hennepin Community College and later her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The College of St Scholastica in 2018.

Deb's 35 year nursing career began at Walker Methodist as a Registered Nurse. She then found her passion in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at North Memorial Hospital, where she cared for the smallest and most vulnerable patients. Deborah’s impact on the families served was profound - she received heartfelt notes and photos from families and stayed in touch with many of her patients' loved ones for years to come.

To better balance her dedication to nursing with her love for being a mother, Deb transitioned into a career in Home Health. Deborah worked for Mary T Home Health for 16 years, advancing through several roles as RN Case Manager, Clinical Nursing Manager and Director of Home Health. To her colleagues, she was more than a coworker; she was a mentor, a trusted friend and a calming presence. To her clients, she was not only a nurse, but also a source of comfort, compassion and strength.

Beyond her professional life, Deb’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted daughter, mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Deborah was deeply loved and adored by all who knew her. Though quiet by nature, she had a radiant presence that filled any room she entered, and a gift for making everyone feel seen and cherished. To know her, was to be loved by her.

Debbie found joy in spending time with her husband, family, friends and cherished dog Sophie. She loved family get-togethers, sunny beach vacations, reading, Christian music and taking walks with loved ones. Those who knew Deborah will remember her as a welcoming host, for her wonderful cooking and baking, her generous spirit, and her selfless heart.

Deb’s faith was extremely important to her and central to her life. It gave her strength throughout her illness, which she faced with quiet courage and a smile, always trusting in God’s plan. She leaves a legacy of resilience, faith and bravery.

Deborah was preceded in death by her grandparents, Margaret Telschow-Sheehe James Telschow, Gerald Sheehe, Vernon Montroy and Helen Montroy, as well as her brother, Vernon Montroy Jr.

She is survived by her parents, Vernon and Marlis Montroy; her husband, Chuck Engel; her children, Taylor (Tyler) Meany, Allison (Steven) Neutzling; granddaughter, Hadley Meany; siblings, Kevin (Katie) Montroy, Shelly (Dan) Markfort, Jim (Michelle) Montroy; best friend, Beth Sud; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday August 29th, 2025 at Eagle Brook Church Ham Lake (1503 157th Ave NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304). Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM. In honoring Deb’s life and spirit, she and the family kindly request that guests wear colorful and light attire. Flowers are welcome at Eagle Brook Church Ham Lake.

Memorial contributions may also be made to Kidney Cancer Association at https://secure.kidneycancer.org/forms/donatetokidneycancer.