Bruce Robert Mengel, 86, of Botetourt County, passed away unexpectedly January 19, 2024 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Bruce was born November 14, 1937 in Frackville, Pa., and lived in Botetourt County since 1985. He was the son of the late Roy E. and Dorothy E. Gradwell Mengel and served in The United States Army. He graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and retired from General Electric in Salem after 35 years of service. Bruce enjoyed hunting, vegetable gardening, tennis, woodworking, playing bridge and was very active in his church. He also served on the board of Child Evangelism Fellowship.
In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Betty Ann White Mengel. He is survived by his daughters, Susan (Chris) Harrell of Cary, N.C., Jennifer Mengel (Tim Smoot) of Riner, and Catherine Blankenship-Martin (Mike Breedlove) of Salem; grandchildren, Brook (Grandin), Erynn (Robbie), Austin, Rachel (Cody), Jared (Lexi), Margo, and Olivia; great-grandchildren, McKenna and Brooklyn; brother, Roy (Shirley) Mengel; and sister, Nancy Weitz, all of Frackville, Pa.; sisters-in-law, Ruth Korth of Daleville, and Faith White of Sunderland, Mass. The family would like to thank Sue Loeschen for the joy and companionship she brought Bruce during the past 18 months.
A celebration of Bruce’s life with military honors was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 23 at
Rader Funeral Home, Daleville. A private burial followed in Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends were received two hours prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, P.O. Box 27723, Richmond, 23261.
