Lelah passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at the age of 95 years. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles George Engler in 2018; her parents, Ralph and Mayme Peden; her sister Lois Gene Soderberg, her infant brother, Keith and great-granddaughter, Victoria Engler Campbell. Lelah leaves behind three daughters, Ellen (Mark) Feider, Karen (Keith) Fritz and Marilyn (David) Spenner. Lelah is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

She was born in Mallard, Iowa, the third child of Ralph Victor Peden and Mayme Loughead Peden on August 29, 1925. When her dad died unexpectedly at a young age, her mother moved her young family to Wisconsin to be near relatives. Lelah was raised on her uncle’s farm and enjoyed being raised with aunts, uncles and cousins nearby.  

She met her husband, Charles George Engler through mutual friends and soon after they married in Rochester, New York on January 28, 1948. They settled in Milwaukee and raised their family there. Lelah was an extraordinary seamstress and quilter. She was active in her church, Christ Memorial Lutheran, where she served many years in the Altar Guild and Dorcas Society. 

She leaves behind a large family, is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.  

Visitation will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home (10280 N Port Washington Rd., Mequon, WI) on Friday, May 7th at 6 pm, followed by a memorial service at 7 pm. If so desired, the service will be livestreamed via Zoom, see link below. Private burial on Saturday, May 8th at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.  

The family offers many thanks to the staff at Luther Manor Hospice and caregivers from Home Care Assistance.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Luther Manor Hospice, Wauwatosa.

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