Jeffrey Scot Engelke

Jeffrey Scot Engelke (55) passed away on September 4, 2024, after a long and valiant struggle with cancer. Jeff passed with loved ones near him and was surrounded by all the love from family and friends who could not be with him.

He was born on September 11, 1968 to Deborah Lee (Gosson) Boykin and Douglas Howard Engelke in Portland, Oregon.

Much of Jeff’s rambunctious young life was spent on the US Military base in England until his family transferred to Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Jeff remained in Bellevue, Nebraska with his mother, Deborah Lee (Gosson) Boykin; Sister, Shamane (David) Dolson; Step-Father, Gilliam C. Boykin and Step-Brother, Johnny (Shelia) Boykin, until he graduated from high school. During those adventurous years, he met his best friend Robert Hettinger, enjoyed playing for the All-State Soccer program, and was the captain for his high school soccer team. Jeff received the Order of the Arrow and Eagle Scout awards, was a member of the Honor Society and Bellevue Forensic Team. During high school, Jeff worked an internship at Boston University where he also completed an honors science program. He graduated from high school and his church’s seminary program in 1986.

Jeff’s greatest adventure was when he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. He began his mission in West Germany for the first 18 months of his mission. He was then selected to be one of the eight missionaries to enter East Germany for the remainder of his service. Jeff’s mastery of the German language allowed him to navigate a country during a time of turmoil and revolution.

After returning from his mission in Germany, Jeff attended Brigham Young University, where he earned his degree in Psychology. While at BYU, Jeff used his ability to speak, read, and write German to become a translator for the church’s world-wide conferences while also working at the Missionary Training Center. Jeff later earned his Master’s Degree in Business from Bellevue University.

He then began his life-long work in the field of Intermediate Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. When people would ask him what he did for work, he always replied he had a desk job. For those who knew Jeff, it was anything but that. Jeff was very smart and full to the brim with kindness. He was a champion for those who were the most vulnerable in our communities. He would often speak at the Texas State Capitol in hopes of bringing more attention, aid and policy changes for those in need. His heart and compassion for the clients he helped was undeniable.

Jeff married the love of his life, Michelle Renee (Moya) Hinegardner, January 11, 2010, in Austin, Texas. Together, with their children, Sydney T. Engelke, Spencer T. (Paige) Engelke, Connor J. (Kimberly) Kaup, John E. Hinegardner, and Jacob G. Hinegardner, life as a blended family brought more joy than ever imagined. Jeff was forever proud of all his children, always touting their accomplishments. He truly loved each of them.

Jeff was happily “Grandpa” to Spencer and Paige Engelke’s beautiful baby girl, Lucy James Engelke.

Jeff was strong willed and stubborn, but he had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was clever and eager for the next adventure. Jeff loved scuba diving, triathlons, escape rooms/games, and restoring his 1968 Mustang with the boys. He loved football. He played it, he coached it and he watched it! He was a die-hard Nebraska Cornhuskers fan and never gave up hope for the Dallas Cowboys. Jeff was the best Dungeon Master and his D&D games with his children would last for hours.

He will be remembered and missed by his nieces and nephews Joshua and Clarrisa Dolson, Thomas and McKenzie Barlow, Afton (Logan) Barlow Wilson, Michelle (Jesse) Frederick and Ryan Boykin.

Jeff is preceded in death by his step-father Gilliam C. Boykin, Grandmother Louise E. (Schilling) Gosson and Grandfather Eugene D. Gosson.

Jeff’s legacy of love will carry on, forever missed but never forgotten.

We love you, Jeff.