Leander J. “Pete” Engelken, 86, of Seneca died on Friday morning, August 28, 2015, at his home in Seneca.

Leander Joseph was born September 7, 1928, southwest of Seneca to Joseph A. and Anna K. Rettele Engelken. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul School and graduated in 1947. He helped farm on the family farm; before entering the service in 1955. He served as Police in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged on February 8, 1957. After serving his country he returned to the family farm.

Pete married Connie Swain on June 7, 1975 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca; the couple celebrated 40 years of marriage. Pete began worked for Anthony Rettele Construction in 1974 and later worked for Bob Rettele Construction, retiring in 2013. He also was employed by Roeder Implement.

He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Society; and a lifelong lector for the Parish. He enjoyed wood working, gardening bowling and a good card game.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Celestine Engelken in 1924, Benedict Engelken on July 20, 1993, Francis G. Engelken of November 8, 1998; and sisters, Angela Reinecke on April 21, 1986 and Loretta Davis on February 13, 2013.

He is survived by his wife Connie of the home; a son, Nathaniel (McKenzie) Engelken of Centralia; a daughter, Leighanna (Dale) Bode of La Plata, Missouri; brothers, Edgar Engelken of Denver, Colorado, Regis Engelken of Sentential, Colorado and Gerald of Brentwood, California; 15 grandchildren, Ransom, Tahj, Race, Torrant, Reo and Trua Engelken, Dale (Jessi) Jr, Samantha, Luke, Victoria, Peyton, Caleb, Erica, Tamara and Shayleigh Bode; and one great-grandson, Slade Bode.

Rosaries will be prayed on Monday, August 31st at 2 & 7 PM at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M. Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at Sts. Peter & Paul in Seneca. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

Memorials will be designated later.