Obituary for Lydia Charlotte Engelman (Oldeen)
Lydia C Engelman, 76, formerly of Englewood, FL; Baldwin, WI; Scottsdale, AZ; Milwaukee, WI, passed away from a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Mon, August 16, 2021, at Froedtert West Bend Hospital. Born to Clarence and Georgia (Sprague) Oldeen, September 25, 1944, in Ladysmith, WI, Lydia was one of 13 children. From her childhood on the farm, she gathered material so full of mischief that she told the stories throughout her life. She graduated from Winter High School, left northern Wisconsin for big city adventure in Chicago, then relocated to Milwaukee to reunite with sister, Levy, and best friend Joan Pichowitz (Vitcenda). There Lydia met John Thomas Engelman, falling in love with the man, his entire family and the city. Together they built a life filled with family, friends and overflowing with laughter.
Lydia worked throughout her life with the greatest amount of her career spent in the grocery and insurance industries. Lydia was fiercely independent and self-sufficient. She married twice, both times choosing John Engelman, the second after what became known as the 12 Year Vacation. Lydia found her own way and did what she thought was best, always. She was up for adventure; she knew how to create fun. There was no wrestling the spotlight from John, but Lydia could grab attention with a well told story, her famous lasagna, a surprise gift, or by expertly hosting a party. She was a champion of the underdog, a tender heart toughest on herself, but with high expectations for the ones she loved.
After John passed and for the last 14 years, Lydia shared a home with her sister, Cal, and then their sister, Levy, joined them, as well. The three supported, cared for, bothered, tested, competed and shared in each other’s lives to the end. The show was always on at The Sisters' House - in Arizona, Wisconsin and, finally, Florida.
Lydia is preceded in death by her husband John; parents, Clarence and Georgia; in-laws John W. and Loretta; and siblings, Carl, Carlson, Bob (Bobby), Clarence (Butch), Charles (Charlie/Chuck), Lavancha (Jim/Levy) and Colista (Cal). Lydia is survived by her children Jeffrey of West Bend, WI, and Diane (Kevin) of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren Joshua (Stephanie), Jason (Julia), Danielle (Sam), Megan and Matthew; great-grandchildren Emerson, Arlette, Sullivan, Malia and Marcel; siblings Ruth, Ted, Sharon (Bob), George and Ruby; and many nieces, nephews and beloved friends who became family along the way.
It was Lydia's wish that there be no formal ceremony upon her death. In remembrance of her we suggest quietly performing an act of kindness or generosity for someone who needs a helping hand - even if, especially if, that someone is you. Lydia supported Shriners Hospitals for Children. She would be honored if gifts in her name were made to Shriners Hospitals specifically, or any organization supporting children.
Lydia worked throughout her life with the greatest amount of her career spent in the grocery and insurance industries. Lydia was fiercely independent and self-sufficient. She married twice, both times choosing John Engelman, the second after what became known as the 12 Year Vacation. Lydia found her own way and did what she thought was best, always. She was up for adventure; she knew how to create fun. There was no wrestling the spotlight from John, but Lydia could grab attention with a well told story, her famous lasagna, a surprise gift, or by expertly hosting a party. She was a champion of the underdog, a tender heart toughest on herself, but with high expectations for the ones she loved.
After John passed and for the last 14 years, Lydia shared a home with her sister, Cal, and then their sister, Levy, joined them, as well. The three supported, cared for, bothered, tested, competed and shared in each other’s lives to the end. The show was always on at The Sisters' House - in Arizona, Wisconsin and, finally, Florida.
Lydia is preceded in death by her husband John; parents, Clarence and Georgia; in-laws John W. and Loretta; and siblings, Carl, Carlson, Bob (Bobby), Clarence (Butch), Charles (Charlie/Chuck), Lavancha (Jim/Levy) and Colista (Cal). Lydia is survived by her children Jeffrey of West Bend, WI, and Diane (Kevin) of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren Joshua (Stephanie), Jason (Julia), Danielle (Sam), Megan and Matthew; great-grandchildren Emerson, Arlette, Sullivan, Malia and Marcel; siblings Ruth, Ted, Sharon (Bob), George and Ruby; and many nieces, nephews and beloved friends who became family along the way.
It was Lydia's wish that there be no formal ceremony upon her death. In remembrance of her we suggest quietly performing an act of kindness or generosity for someone who needs a helping hand - even if, especially if, that someone is you. Lydia supported Shriners Hospitals for Children. She would be honored if gifts in her name were made to Shriners Hospitals specifically, or any organization supporting children.