Dr. James F. Engel

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Engel, Dr. James F. 82, of Maple Grove, MN, died peacefully on Sept. 24, 2016 from Alzheimer's. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he attended Lincoln HS, and received his B.S. from Drake University and MS and PhD in Marketing from Univ. of Illinois. He enjoyed a very distinguished career in marketing research at Michigan and Ohio State as a pioneering author in the field of Consumer behavior. A nationally known authority in this arena, he co-authored the influential book, Consumer Behavior, and founded the Association for Consumer Research. He was honored with the prestigious Paul D. Converse Award of the American Marketing Association in 1981. He then served at Wheaton College for 18 years as the Chair of the Communications dept. where he developed the widely used "Engel Scale," an explanation of the process toward spiritual maturity. At Eastern College in St. Davids, PA, Dr. Engel retired as the Distinguished Professor of Marketing and co-founder of the Center for Organizational Excellence (now known as Development Associates International.) His work helped empower servant leadership development of over 250 Christian organizations in over 60 countries. As a committed member of St. David's Episcopal Church, he was the guiding light in the formation and ministry of the Mama Ada Foundation in Kenya, a country that had previously captured his heart from trips to Daystar University in Nairobi. His Christian commitment guided and informed all that he did. He was passionate about servant leadership and mentoring others. He enjoyed a lifelong passion for music and played the baritone in numerous community bands. Survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon, three daughters, Janet Engel, Joanne (Bob) Zeidler, and Susan Axelband, two grandchildren Robyn (AJ) Zeidler Baker and Ethan Zeidler, and one feline, Missy. Memorial service Monday, Oct. 17, at 11 am at St. David's Episcopal, 13000 St. David's Road, Minnetonka. Visitation one-hour prior, and lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to Mama Ada Foundation, PO Box 615, Hopkins, MN 55343, Alzheimer's Association, or St. David's Episcopal Church.

Published on October 9, 2016