Funeral service for Ila Mae Engler, 92, of Osmond, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Reverend Glen Emery and Reverend Brian Tuma will be officiating the service. The Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard will be providing rites at the funeral service. Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Atkinson, NE. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk, NE. Ila Mae passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Heritage of Bel-Air Nursing Home in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Ila Mae was born on March 5, 1933, in Atkinson, Nebraska to Emil and Marie (Gathje) Johnson. She attended grade school at District 99, at Atkinson, NE and attended Atkinson High School. She then attended Norfolk Junior College graduating in 1970 with her LPN Degree. Ila Mae married Robert Engler on February 5, 1951, in Atkinson. The family moved to Osmond in 1960, and she worked at the Osmond General Hospital for 45 years as a nurse. Ila Mae enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, bird watching and going to the Osmond Senior Center.
Ila Mae is survived by her children Joe (Sue) Engler of Lincoln, Barbie (Randy) Freivogel of Leavenworth, KS, Chris (Patty) Engler of Madison, Mark (Linda) Engler of Beatrice, Bruce (Betty) Engler of Atkinson, Kevin (Connie) Engler of Basehor, KS, Susie (Dan) Dennis of Osmond, 16 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren.
Ila Mae was preceded in death by her husband Robert Engler in 1989, parents Emil and Marie Johnson, daughter Carole Reber, granddaughter Bridget Engler, step-grandson Gary Allen Reber, and brother Daryl Johnson. Organist will be Lori Koehler “Come Home For Christmas” (Recorded), Congregational Hymns “Precious Lord Take My Hand”, “Joy To The World”, “Just As I Am.” Soloist “In The Garden” by Dusty Shoemaker. Casket bearers will be Jory Reber, Matthew Engler, David Freivogel, Ryan Freivogel, Adam Engler, Travis Engler, Brandon Engler, Bryce Dennis, and Josh Engler. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.
