It is with unimaginable sadness and broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Logan Scott Thomas Engel, 30, of Central City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Polk with Reverend David Ohlman officiating. Burial followed at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery near Polk.

Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family. Logan was born in Omaha on December 26, 1995 to Tom and Karen (Shotkoski) Engel. He was born a fighter, born prematurely weighing only four-and-a-half pounds. He grew into a wonderful and caring young man with a big heart and big hands. He will always be remembered for taking care of others around him, including his family and all the patients he’s been able to give back to.

Logan was the fourth of five children. He was raised in Clarks in a family full of loving sisters. His life was fulfilled by numerous hobbies and special talents, including athletics, hunting, fishing, and days spent out at the cabin and spending time with his family and friends.

Logan graduated from High Plains Community High School in 2014. He attended the University of Nebraska—Kearney for his Bachelor’s of Science degree, graduating in 2018. Logan pursued his graduate degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center—Kearney, graduating in 2021 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. He was the honoree of the University of Nebraska Regents Scholarship, received the Physical Therapy Excellence in Professionalism Award, and was the Physical Therapy Class Treasurer.

After obtaining his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree, Logan began his professional career in June 2021 with GO Physical Therapy in Grand Island. With this opportunity, Logan has touched thousands of patients’ lives with his compassionate work in Acute Care physical therapy at CHI Health— St. Francis in Grand Island. His coworkers will always remember him as being the most genuine, devoted, patient, and empathetic therapist and young man.

Logan met the love of his life, Katelyn (Shoup) Engel, at the age of fifteen. After dating for eight years and often being referred to as “Cupcake,” Logan and Katelyn were officially engaged on May 3, 2019.

Logan and Katelyn were united in marriage on June 20, 2020.

They welcomed their first baby girl, Reese Ray, on March 4, 2022.

With this blessing, their love continued to grow, welcoming their second baby girl, Sage Alissa, on May 16, 2024. Logan was a devoted husband, a loving daddy, and the heart of his family. His love for Katelyn, Reese, and Sage was endless, and his family was his greatest blessing.

Logan was an only son who was deeply loved and treasured by Tom and Karen. He The Republican-Nonpareil | October 15, 2026

was a cherished brother who shared a lifetime of memories with his four sisters and an uncle who brought joy to his family full of sixteen nieces and nephews. Logan was a thoughtful and caring son-in-law to Kris and Kim and a devoted friend whose presence made life better for all those fortunate enough to know him and love him. He will always be remembered for the way he encountered people with an open heart, his ability to listen without judgment, and his way of always bringing out the best in others.

Logan was preceded in death by grandparents Richard (Dick) and Margaret Shotkoski, Fritz and Janet Engel, Dennis (Denny) Rikenberg, and Emmett and Rogene Shoup; aunts, Patricia Engel and Annette Hellbusch; and uncle, Stephen Shotkoski.

Those left to cherish Logan’s memory include his wife, Katelyn Engel, and daughters, Reese (4) and Sage (2) of Central City; parents, Tom and Karen Engel of Clarks; sisters, Holly (Mike) Stillwell of Unadilla, Brooke (Jon) Hawthorne of Lincoln, Whitney (Jarrid) Dubas of Fullerton, and Chloe Engel (Zane Morgan) of Lincoln; in-laws, Kim and Kris Shoup of Hordville; sisters-in-law, Kylie (Garrison) Smith of Clarks and Kinsley (Cody) Pietig of Omaha; nieces and nephews-Jaxon, Harmony, Jameson, Hadley, Lola, Bowden, Berkley, Brynlee, Laramie, Adalyn, Hazel, Briella, Porter, Josie, Knox, and baby Dubas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Engel Family Memorial Fund established at First State Bank of Hordville to support his wife and family during this difficult time.