John H. Engelke

John H. Engelke passed away on September 13, 2025, at his home in Baton Rouge, LA, surrounded by love. He was born on July 2, 1941, at Santo Tomas hospital in Republic of Panama to Howard S. and Evelyn D. Engleke. John was raised in the Panama Canal Zone with his 3 siblings. John graduated from Balboa High School in 1959 and briefly attended Panama Canal College before enlisting in the US Airforce. After his honorable discharge from the military in 1965, John returned to Panama and joined the Panama Canal Police Force in 1983. He transferred to the Chief Support Branch Division, which he retired from in 1998 after a combined 37 years of service. John married the love of his life, Laurie Anne Will Engelke on April 1, 1967, in Margarita, Canal Zone, Panama. Together, they raised 3 wonderful children, John Richard, Laurie Elizabeth, and Joy Lynne.

John always enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling, and Monday night Poker with his poker buddies. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, whom he loved unconditionally.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Laurie Will Engelke; son, John Engelke; daughters, Laurie Sweeney (Todd) and Joy Humphrey (Aaron); sister, Judy Montanaro; brothers, Bill (Shirley), Louis (Wilma) Engelke; grandchildren, Kaylyn Sweeney (Jylan Hayes), Devon Sweeney (Kylie Wilson), Arynne and Addlyn Humphrey; great grandchildren, Laykyn and Korbyn Sweeney, Isais and Mecca Hayes, Corely and Otto Moorer; extended family, Jordan and Cherish Moorer.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Howard S. and Evelyn D. Engelke; sister, Francis Elmendorf; brother-in-law, John Montanaro.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and Mary Byrd Perkins Cancer Center, nurse Camille, as well as hospice nurses, Shana Cate and Nicole for their care and compassion during John’s time of need. The family also expresses appreciation for the East Side Fire Department, who went above and beyond.

Visitation will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church (6166 S. Harrells Ferry Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70816) on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9:30am until a memorial mass beginning at 11am.

Burial details to be announced at a future date.