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BORN
1940
DIED
2016
Lee Engelman Obituary
Lee David Engelman, 75, Oshkosh, passed away Friday, March 25, 2016. Lee was born December 6, 1940, in Fond du Lac, son of Clair and Blanch (Creapo) Engelman. Lee grew up in the carnival business, travelling during the summer to many places with his parents. After Lee graduated high school he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Nitkowski, with whom he spent 53 years with. Together they continued the carnival shows, even after their daughter was born, for roughly 20 more years. Soon after that Lee owned and operated many restaurants, starting with Pizza King, Captain Kids, which became Mr. Cinders, having several locations in different cities in Wisconsin. Then Lee opened the Winemaker Restaurant, while still owning the other businesses. Lee's most recent entrepreneur adventure was Kodiak Jacks Steak and Seafood. Lee and Judy set up food stands at many local community events including: Country USA, Rock USA, Saw Dust Days and EAA. They also did catering for celebrities, such as Harrison Ford. Lee enjoyed deer, duck, pheasant, and turkey hunting on his several properties he owned within the state. Also, he took many large game hunting and trophy fishing expeditions with his brothers, relatives, and close friends. Lee was a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church, and enjoyed services there with his family.
Lee is survived by his loving wife, Judy; a daughter, Kathleen (Joseph) Kimmeth; grandchildren: Alyssa Kimmeth and Nathan Wallace; brothers: Gary (Carla) Engelman, Jimmy Klein, Jerry (Lorra) Klein; a sister-in-law, Joyce Engelman; nieces and nephews: Troy (Natalie) Engelman, Jean (Paul) Bernier, Kevin Engelman, Dean (Brenda) Engelman, Dale Engelman, Cassandra and Stephanie Klein, Ben, Sam and Abe Klein.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Eric Lee, and a brother, Jeffrey Engelman.
A memorial mass will be held at 5:30 p.m on Thursday April 7, 2016 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 830 S. Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh, with Fr. Doug LeCaptain officiating. Inurnment will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Oshkosh. Visitation will be held from 3:30 p.m on Thursday at the church until the time of the Mass. Following the mass at the church hall, a meal will be served by LaSure's Catering.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Lee's name is being established.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lee Engelman
Sponsored by the Oshkosh Northwestern.
Dick Miller
September 3, 2017
Lee was a great friend and business associate. As time went on, the business associate was in second place and the friendship was first and foremost. I was a supplier for him and worked with him in all his restaurants. He always treated my family with the utmost respect and friendship. My father in law still talks about Kodiak Jacks and that there will never be a restaurant like it again. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lee and Judy and the rest of the family.
Morgan Appleby
August 25, 2017
Very sad to hear about this. Lee was a great owner and a father of sorts to all his employees. He always took care of us and pushed us hard to have high standards. Me and my wife met while working at KJs and we will always have fond memories of Lee and his wife. Youll be missed.
April 7, 2016
I love you Lee. You will never be forgotten.
Karen Molash
April 5, 2016
My deepest condolences to the entire Engleman family. I met Lee many years ago though his brother Gary and wife Carla. I loved the restaurants and delicious food and always tried to stop at one of them when visiting Oshkosh.
May God be with you at this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Karen Molash
All dressed up and ready to go!
Patti Guenther
April 4, 2016
Always with his Judy!
Patti Guenther
April 4, 2016
Norman Searle
April 4, 2016
I met Lee through a mutual friend in 1990 and ever since I always considered Lee a caring and close friend. It never ceased to amaze me that regardless of how busy Lee was he would always take the time to come to my table to greet me and my guests when we visited his restaurant. Lee knew me as a frequent traveler and I can remember how pleased he was the time I told him how I rated his Wine Maker Supper Club as one of the best supper clubs for food and conversation I had ever visited. Lee made it that way and his drive for perfection and consistency continued through his other ventures. I know of no equal to Kodiak Jacks, a dream Lee told me he always wanted to fulfil. Lee, may you rest in peace, I will miss you.
Daryl & Carol Olmsted
April 3, 2016
Our thoughts and Prayers are with the entire Engelman family today and in the days ahead. Gary and Carla, know you are in our hearts, we missed you this winter in AJ, hope to see you in Wisconsin during our visit to Oshkosh. God's Love .
Larry & Bunny Boelter
April 3, 2016
We have enjoyed many times at his businesses. We are so sorry for your loss. May God place his hands on all of you during this time. You have our deepest sympathy.
Bob and Judy Stueber
April 2, 2016
Very sorry to hear about Lee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,Judy and your Family.
Jean Sirna
April 2, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Don & Sue Beyer
April 2, 2016
R.I.P. Lee. Our condolences to your wife Judi and family. You will be missed. We had many good times at Kodiak's. Great food at Kodiak's and Hot Rod Willy's.
April 2, 2016
So very sad about this. He was a great guy to know. Miss the chili at willys. Thoughts and prayers are with Judy and the rest of the family.
Pete and Jill Hennes
Doug Waters
April 2, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 2, 2016
Judy, our thoughts and prayers are with at this extremely difficult time. Lee was such a caring and generous person. We enjoyed many great times with you over the years. We will keep those fond memories forever. God Bless you a your family.
John and Bernie Stadtmueller
Doug Stoehr
April 2, 2016
It was with great sadness I heard of Lee's passing. He was part of my most memorable day as he personally oversaw the catering of my daughter's wedding. He was also a friend I will miss. I wish on good memories for Lee's family
Joni & Rolly Lebeck
April 2, 2016
Judi, you have our sincere sympathy. May God be with you in this difficult time.
bob williams
April 2, 2016
My thoughts and prayers with Lee's wife and family. Lee was a great guy!! I met Lee when I was on 99.5 The Wolf doing the NASCAR reports.
Michigan Bob
Jason & Michele Hochstein
April 2, 2016
Our condolences....peace be with you. From Eaton's Fresh Pizza, Oshkosh
Judu Wyrembeck
April 1, 2016
Judi, you have my sympathy at this sad time in your life. You had a long time together.
Richard Goerlitz
April 1, 2016
Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We were friends when we were kids.
Jeanne Callen
April 1, 2016
Lee managed my son's rehearsal dinner at Kodiak Jacks - he was wonderful to work and went above and beyond to accommodate us. May your soul rest in peace.
Kathy Crooks
April 1, 2016
did not lee personally but knew his brother. i know lee helped out many people looking for jobs and he gave them one, sometimes twice. it was probably the most hearbreaking thing for him to have to give up the restaurant. prayers to the family
William Lenz
April 1, 2016
I knew Lee since his days at winemaker. Sold him a lot of beer during all his time in business in Oshkosh. Recently at Kodiaks he noticed I had a hard time reading. Lee brought over to me a pair of cheaters. I still use them today. A little kindness that went a long way. Thank you Lee and rest in peace. God bless the family.
Kevin Mueller
April 1, 2016
I remember working at 2 places the first one was the winemaker as a dishwasher evey time we have
Sunday brunches when we took it down he would let us have something to eat before throwing it away and the second was Kodiak Jacks as a dishwasher also he gave a big smile and told me you were a hard worker at the winemaker so I will hire u here (Kodiak Jacks) as a dishwasher and I'll miss him a lot because his wife and daughter and him were like a family to me.GOD BLESS
Carol gauger
April 1, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Lee's family and friends. He was always so friendly, chatting with everyone. I loved the winemaker restaurant! May he rest in peace in God's loving arms.
j b
April 1, 2016
Lee my you find peace I will miss you Judy my love to you
Bill Lenz
March 30, 2016
Lee was always kind to me as I did many years of business with him. He once noticed I was having a hard time reading numbers. He gave me a pair of reading glasses. Still use them today during work. A small gesture that went a long way. Thank you Lee and God bless the family.
C N
March 30, 2016
Worked for Lee at the Winemaker and he always treated his customers and employees with a smile. He worked very hard but always ran a first class operation no matter what he had for a business. I remember we were setting up and getting ready for the lunch crowd and he hid a penny in our booths just to make sure we were cleaning our area and you better find the penny! My prayers go out to the family; hang on to the memories and let your friends and family help you threw this time of sorrow. I was glad to know him and his family!
Mary Krause
March 29, 2016
Prayers through Jesus for Lee's family in this time of sorrow.
Carole Foust
March 29, 2016
Lee always welcomed us to either Kodiak Jacks or Hot Rod Willy's. We usually visited with him or Judy They were also great at at running the Winemaker where I would dine during my lunch hour. Their food and service were always first class. May he rest in peace.
Doug and Sue Beaupre
March 29, 2016
So sorry! We loved all his restaurants!!!
Mike Drexler
March 29, 2016
Sorry for your loss. Always felt welcomed at Kodiak Jacks when we came in. Lee would stop by and chat every time. You will be missed
Karen Allen-Romens
March 29, 2016
So sorry to hear of Lees passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you all, Judy, Gary, Carla, and Families.
Karen KarenAllen_Romens
March 29, 2016
So sorry to hear of Lees passing, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Judy, Gary, Carla, and families.
Arlene Mueller
March 29, 2016
Sorry about Lee, first met him and your family when you came to Aurora and bought your 2 toy poodle puppies Fred and Ethel, he was so in love with them ,I enjoyed our many years sharing their hi jinks with your family,, Lee was a good friend will be missed by many,, God speed my friend.
Darrell Gehrke
March 29, 2016
Darrell AND I ARE SO sorry to hear about Lee's passing he was a good friend and we loved going
To Kodiak Jackson to eat and to chat with him
Darrell and Lynn Gehrke
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