Donald George Engler, 88, died at the Ft. Meade Veterans Administration Medical Center's Nursing Home on Friday, December 2, 2005. Mr. Engler was born December 6, 1917 in Ipswich, S. Dak. the son of Edward Jacob and Annie (Lawrence) Engler. He graduated from Ipswich High School in 1936 and attended South Dakota State College for two years. He went into the U.S. Army in 1942 and served until 1946. As a technician 5th grade (T/5) he was attached to the 28th Reconnaissance Troop in Europe during the final months of World Ward II. Mr. Engler married Iona (Atkinson) Engler at Coleman, S. Dak. in September 1945. He had met his bride while she was working as a schoolteacher in Ipswich in 1942. Mr. Engler managed his family's business, Engler Land Agency, in his hometown both before and after the war. He entered the Ft. Meade Medical Center in 1962 and remained associated with that facility until his death, although he did enjoy significant periods of independent living in both Sturgis and Spearfish. At age 50 he earned a bachelors degree in Social Science from Black Hills State College. He became a resident at the Ft. Meade Nursing Home in 1993. Throughout his life Mr. Engler was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church. Like his father, he was also an ardent Democrat who took great pride in and had a great passion for the people and places of South Dakota. Mr. Engler is survived by his wife, now a resident of Sheridan, Wyoming; by his son, Edward J. Engler of Laconia, New Hampshire; by his two daughters, Laurel (Engler) Hanewald and her husband William Hanewald of Sheridan, Wyoming and Ann (Engler) Sandoz and her husband David Sandoz of Morton, Illinois; by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Engler was predeceased by his father (1930) and mother (1963); by his brother, E. Lawrence "Bud" Engler (1974); and by his sister, Bernice E. Engler (1994). A service will be held at the Ft. Meade Peace Chapel on Saturday, December 17 at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. The Black Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1440 Junction Ave. in Sturgis is in charge of the arrangements.