James E. Engelhardt, 86, of Fremont died Sunday, April 5, 2026 at Nebraska Methodist Hospital.
James Edward Engelhardt was born July 18, 1939, in West Point to Edward and Emma ‘Brasch’ Engelhardt. He attended grade school in District 31, Cuming County. He attended Concordia High School in Seward for his freshman year, then completed his sophomore through senior years at Beemer High School, graduating in 1957.
He attended one semester at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Jim joined the United States Marine Corps in February 1959 and served until February 1963. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton for one year and at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Glenview.
He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Beemer and confirmed there on March 29, 1953. He attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont regularly. He worked at Valmont, Avco Finance, and Davis Construction before beginning his career with Union Pacific in October 1967. He retired from Union Pacific in June 1997.
On October 6, 1962, Jim married Barbara Jean (Sauer) Engelhardt, of Chicago. They shared 63 years of
marriage.
Jim loved camping, fishing, gardening and playing cards. He was a proud father and grandfather. He liked to
dance and listen to the radio. While in the service he was a part-time Arthur Murray dance instructor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Emma Engelhardt; and his sisters, June (Vernon) Beckman,
Dorathy (Ed) Pieper, and Georgia (Alfred) Batenhorst. Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean Engelhardt; his children, Scott Engelhardt, Mark (Julie) Engelhardt, and Karen (Justin) Ryman; and his grandchildren, Daniel, Emily, Alyssa, and Caleb Engelhardt; Katelyn (Michael) Prophit, Alex, and Karlie Ryman. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026 with the family present 6 to 8 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial
with Military Honors will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Lutheran Hour or the Trinity Roof Fund.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com