John Engler Obituary, Cause of Death –With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family of John Engler announces his passing on November 7, 2024, at the age of 68. John, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness. His death has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him. Known for his warmth, generosity, and infectious sense of humor, John will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Born on February 15, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, John was the firstborn son of Paul and Margaret Engler. He grew up in the close-knit community of Baton Rouge, where he developed a lifelong love for his city and the people in it. From a young age, John exhibited a passion for building things with his hands, an interest that would later shape his career and life’s work.
John attended Baton Rouge High School, where he was a standout athlete on the school’s football team, earning respect for his determination and team spirit. His love for sports continued into adulthood, and he spent many weekends watching LSU Tigers games and enjoying the camaraderie of his friends at tailgates and local gatherings. However, John’s greatest passion outside of sports was his career as a licensed contractor, a field in which he built a reputation for being hardworking, meticulous, and fair.
After high school, John worked alongside his father, who was also a contractor, learning the trade that would become his lifelong profession. His work ethic and dedication led him to start his own successful company, Engler Construction, in the late 1980s. His expertise in homebuilding and renovations earned him many loyal clients, and his reputation for delivering high-quality work on time and within budget made him a respected figure in the Baton Rouge business community. Over the years, John’s work helped to shape the city’s landscape, with many homes and buildings reflecting his craftsmanship.
Beyond his professional success, John was a devoted family man. In 1982, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” Walker, a woman whose kindness and warmth complemented his own. Together, they raised two children, Michael and Emily, who were the center of John’s world. As a father, John was a steady, loving presence. He supported his children’s dreams, whether it was coaching Michael’s youth baseball teams or attending Emily’s dance recitals. He was always there, offering advice, encouragement, and a sense of security.
John’s love for his children extended into his role as a grandfather. He was immensely proud of his three grandchildren, Oliver, Amelia, and Grace, who affectionately referred to him as “Pops.” John enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them—whether it was taking them on fishing trips to the nearby lakes or teaching them how to work on small projects in his workshop. His grandkids remember him for his patience, his ability to make them laugh, and the way he always took time to listen to whatever was on their minds.
John was a man who took great pride in his work and his family, but his generosity extended far beyond his immediate circle. He was a committed volunteer, dedicating countless hours to local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Baton Rouge Food Bank. His belief in giving back to the community was something he instilled in his children, and he was known to quietly lend a hand to neighbors and strangers in need without seeking recognition. It was not uncommon for John to help repair a neighbor’s home or offer his tools and expertise to those who couldn’t afford to pay for services.
John’s passion for community service was matched only by his love of the outdoors. Whether he was hunting in the swamps of Louisiana or tending to his garden at home, John found peace in nature. His backyard, which he meticulously cultivated, was a sanctuary where he spent hours planting vegetables, building birdhouses, and enjoying the serenity of his surroundings. His love for gardening was something he shared with his children and grandchildren, often teaching them how to grow their own plants and appreciating the fruits of their labor.
A deeply spiritual man, John was an active member of St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, where he participated in parish events, assisted with community outreach programs, and found comfort in his faith. His belief in the importance of family, service, and compassion was rooted in the values he held dear, and he lived his life in a way that reflected those principles.
John’s friends knew him as a man of integrity, someone who would always keep his word and go out of his way to help others. He was the kind of friend who could always be counted on, whether it was for a late-night phone call, a helping hand with a home project, or a good laugh over drinks at one of Baton Rouge’s local watering holes. His humor was legendary—John had a knack for storytelling, and he was always the life of the party, with a joke or anecdote to lighten the mood.
Sadly, John’s life was cut short when he passed away on November 7, 2024, following a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Engler; his children, Michael Engler (Tara) and Emily Engler, and his grandchildren, Oliver, Amelia, and Grace; his siblings, Paul Engler Jr. and Cynthia Engler-Morris, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.
A funeral mass will be held in celebration of John’s life on November 12, 2024, at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Following the service, friends and family are invited to gather at the Baton Rouge Community Center to share stories, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on the remarkable life John led.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s memory to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge, an organization he supported for many years. His family takes comfort knowing that his legacy of service, generosity, and kindness will continue to live on through the work of the community projects he so deeply cared about.
While John Engler’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him, his memory will endure.
His legacy of hard work, compassion, faith, and family will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.
