Edward Joseph Engelau, age 50, of Columbus, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Engelau was a man of strong faith and was a lifelong, devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers. He was baptized into Christ on December 14, 1975, and confirmed in his faith on February 11, 1990, both at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers. Throughout his life, he served his church faithfully, and remained a dedicated member, worshiping alongside his wife and family.

To Ed, farming was never just work. Farming was a way of life and a reflection of who he was, as well as it was to his late father, Pete, and his brothers. All his years farming alongside his father and his brothers, Ed carried on a proud family tradition rooted in faith, perseverance, and love for the land. They especially loved their red tractors. The Engelau family was honored with the 150-Year Homestead Award, recognizing their long-standing commitment to farming in the community.

He always kept a buddy seat ready in the combine while shelling corn, whether it be his wife, daughters, or his nephews he treated like his own. Ed was passionate about 4-H and greatly enjoyed helping and supporting his girls throughout their years showing pigs.

Ed also cherished time with his family. He enjoyed camping trips together, taking drives with his wife, cooking breakfast for his daughters, and making beach vacation memories with his girls.

Ed treasured his family above all else. He was incredibly proud and often spoke with great love about his beautiful wife and their beautiful daughters, who meant the world to him.

Born on November 22, 1975, in Seymour, Ed was the son of Harold “Pete” Herman and Wanda Engelau. His father preceded him in death on August 24, 2025, and his mother survives in Seymour. On August 13, 2005, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, he married the love of his life, Erin Morris, and she survives in Columbus.

Survivors also include his beloved daughters: Maddie (Andy) Whiteside, Ella Engelau, Annie Engelau, and Sophia Engelau; three brothers: Jason (Tracey) Engelau, Adam (Casey) Engelau, and Troy (Jenny) Engelau, all of Seymour; Honorary little brother, Greg Baxter; employees who were like family to him; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ed was also preceded in death by his grandparents: Fred and Dorothy Rotert, and Herman and Malinda Engelau .

Funeral services for Edward Joseph Engelau will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, with Pastor Steve Wood and Intern Beth Sheedy officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers.

Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in memory of Ed to help his daughters with their college education.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff of Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Online memories and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com