Vladimir Engel

Vladimir Alexandrovich Engel, a man who deeply loved his life, family, and friends, passed away on April 13th, 2026.

Born on July 5th, 1949, in the small village of Maletino in Siberia, Russia Vladimir later moved to Kazakhstan, where he built his home and devoted his life to raising his beautiful family.

He met his beloved bride in the summer of 1966, and they were married on February 24th, 1968. Shortly after, he began his two years of military service in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Following his service, he returned to Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan where he dedicated over 40 years of hard work and commitment to one of the largest open-cast coal mines in the world - Bogatyr Coal Mine. His strong work ethic, reliability, and perseverance earned him the respect of colleagues and lifelong friends.

In 1972, Vladimir and Nina welcomed their first son, Alexander, followed by their daughter, Nataliya, in 1977. Family was always at the center of his life, and he took great pride in watching his children grow and build their own families.

In November 2010, Vladimir and Nina followed their daughter to the United States, where he later became a proud U.S. citizen.

Vladimir’s life was full of energy, warmth, and joy. He had a passion for fishing, and he cherished time spent outdoors and gathering with friends and loved ones. He was known for his humor, his storytelling, and his ability to make people feel welcome and at ease. He was a “fun guy” in every sense of the word—someone who brought lightness and laughter wherever he went, while also offering steady support and wisdom when it was needed most.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Nina Engel; his son, Alexander Engel; his daughter, Nataliya Stolmeier; and his cherished granddaughters Nina, Sofia, Elizabeth, and Victoria. He is also survived by his younger sisters Maria, Ludmila, and Valentina; his youngest brother Victor; and many loving nieces and nephews in Russia.

Vladimir was a devoted family man in every stage of his life. He found his greatest fulfillment not only in providing for his loved ones, but in being present for them—sharing meals, celebrating milestones, and staying closely connected across generations and continents. His children and grandchildren were a constant source of pride for him, and he followed their lives with deep interest, encouragement, and unwavering love. To his family, he was a steady presence—someone whose advice was grounded in experience, whose support was dependable, and whose affection was always genuine and freely given.

He took great joy in seeing his family grow, and the bonds between them remained strong through distance and time. Whether gathered around a table, speaking by phone, or simply sharing memories, he made sure his family felt connected and cared for. His legacy lives on not only in his children and grandchildren, but also in the values he passed down—hard work, loyalty, resilience, and the importance of staying close to those you love.

Vladimir was preceded in death by his dear parents, Alexander and Alexandra, and his younger brothers Ivan and Alexander.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family. His memory will be carried forward in the stories shared at family gatherings, in laughter around the table, and in every moment his loved ones remember his warmth, strength, and humor. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a wonderful soul who lived fully, loved deeply, and brought joy to those around him.

Funeral and Memorial Services

His funeral will be held on Friday, April 24th, 2026, at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery, followed by a service at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (funeral and following service are for family only).

A memorial gathering and luncheon in honor of Vladimir Engel will be held on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 PM at 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge, VA. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance, share stories, celebrate his life and legacy, and support the family.