Gustave Julius Engel

Gustave J. Engel, age 96 of Warren, died Thursday, January 3, 2013 at the Autumn Woods Health Care Facility in Warren.He was born on July 19, 1916 in Detroit, son of the late Julius and the late Emilia (nee: Kerstien) Engel.Gus was a graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit, after which he went on to work the Great Lakes for Ford Motor Company.With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Gus for his service to our country during World War II. He was a sailor in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater of operations, as well as occupied Japan. We honor him for the call to duty he so proudly accepted and the bravery he exuded in preserving the freedoms & liberties we enjoy today because he was there.Following his return from duty, Gus spent a lot of time fishing the waters of Lake Superior. After considerable thought and planning for the future, he decided that entering the retail realm was the better opportunity for his growing family.So it was that on February 3, 1947, Gus began his career as the Owner & Proprietor of the Superior Fish Company of Royal Oak. His first store was located at 2nd & Main. It was a small shop that offered him the start he needed with the goals he had in mind. As the business began to grow, he saw the need to relocate, which he did just up the street at 4th & Main. The store is a landmark in the area, and gained acclaim for the numerous Red Wings Octopus sales it's experienced, as well as the ultimate in quality seafood and service. As the business grew, Gus saw the need to bring on a partner, which he did in the person of John Dean. Gus, and his thriving company, were well-known and was integral in serving many of the major Detroit area restaurants. With over 33 years of dedicated service to the community, Gus retired on December 31, 1980 and sold the business to his partner, John. The Dean Family continue Gus' business legacy and currently operate from its third location at 11 Mile Road & Troy Street in Royal Oak, Michigan.Following his retirement, Gus found great enjoyment in traveling the world, dabbling with his skills in photography, and tripping the light fantastic through his love of Polka dancing. He was also quite proud of his membership and brotherhood in the Fraternal Order of Elks, an association that afforded him a great number of friendships over the years.Not only a stellar business legacy, Gus also leaves a legacy of love to his family that will be remembered and cherished always. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.Beloved husband for 30 years of Naida (nee: Holoweiko), and formerly the late Elsie (nee: Treichel) for 40 years. Dear father of Dorothea "Dottie" Engel-McGinty (Charles) Beeman of Lexington, Michigan and Shirley Engel (W.Kirke) Harris of Spring Lake, Michigan. Loving grandfather of Sherri McGinty (Michael) Flesher of Troy, Lori McGinty (Nicholas) Sedrowski of Warren, Amy McGinty of Warren, Brad (Stephanie) Harris of South Lyon, and Beth Harris-Piehl of Petoskey. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brother, Emil; sisters, Elsie Fettig-Wilcop and Edna Wilcop, and grandson, Ryan Sedrowski. A Memorial Visitation for Gus will be held on Sunday from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, with a 4:00pm Memorial Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Inurnment, with military honors, will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.Memorial donations are welcomed to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076 or the Salvation Army, 24140 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48091.Please share memories of Gus at his memory book.