Julia "Nana" P. Engel

Julia “Nana” P. Engel (née Mrowca) Age 91, of Braidwood, IL, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 5, 2025 in Braidwood. Born June 6, 1934, in Chicago, IL, she was the daughter of Andrew and Helen (née Gombus) Mrowca. On May 24, 1963, Julia married George L. Engel in Chicago, IL. They shared 20 years of marriage before his passing on September 5, 1983. Julia, alongside her husband, George, were hardworking and dedicated in business. They owned and operated several establishments, including Engel’s Snack Shop and The Mini Hut in Chicago, Unk’s Chicken in Braidwood and Mokena, and The Mine in Braidwood. She later worked as a caretaker. Julia loved cooking and especially looked forward to her family’s annual Pierogi Day, a tradition she treasured. She also found joy in gardening, crafting, crocheting, and caring for her animals. Above all, Julia cherished the moments she shared with her loved ones and never turned down cookies or sweets. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood. Julia enjoyed spending many happy times with her family at the Braidwood Recreation Club. She was everyone’s Nana. She is survived by her children, Judy (Dr. Walter, DDS) James of Wilmington, Janet (Todd) Kalbfleisch of Braidwood, and Karl (Linda) Engel of Braidwood. Her greatest joy was her family, and she took immense pride in her 16 grandchildren: Jeannie, Kristie, Michael, Mandie, Brian, Jessica, Jillian, Jeremy, Eric, Jina, Stefanie, Matthew, Jenny, Ashley, Brooke, and Nik. Her love extended to 35 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, who together carry on the legacy of her strength, warmth, and devotion. Also surviving are her sisters, Helen Wann of Lemont, IL, and Diane (Jerry) Sramek of Homer Glen, IL. Preceding her in death were her parents, Andrew and Helen Mrowca; her husband, George L. Engel; her son, Don Engel; her daughter, Joyce Engel; her brother, John Mrowca; and her grandson-in-law, Steve Neese. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory in Braidwood, IL. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family to be dispersed. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Julia’s online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336 www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com

Julia "Nana" P. Engel

June 6, 1934 - October 5, 2025

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Julia "Nana" P. Engel

June 6, 1934 - October 5, 2025

What We Do

Local Florists

Contact Us

About Us

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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