John Lyle Engelbrecht, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Fort Myers, Florida, following a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. 

John was born on April 3, 1947 to Norman Engelbrecht and Roselind Jonas in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  After graduating from Lincoln High School, he married his high school sweetheart Linda Grotbak on December 9, 1967.  He then enlisted and served in the Army National Guard. 

John and Linda also relocated to Fort Myers, Florida in 1967. It was there that John began his career as an architectural draftsman.  He went on to become a general contractor, building custom homes throughout Southwest Florida, but primarily on Sanibel Island. Later in his career, he owned a carpentry business which created beautiful custom furniture, cabinetry, and architectural details in both the commercial and residential arenas. 

John loved music, and was part of a band while he was in high school, playing the drums.  He also played the guitar and led the folk group at St. Cecilia Catholic Community in Fort Myers for more than ten years, where he was also a Mass leader, Eucharistic Minister, and involved in Marriage Encounter.  John and Linda were married for 57 years and greatly value all the friends they have made over the years.  

He faithfully attended church and helped his wife design, make and hang many banners at both St. Cecilia and St. John XXIII.  As a designer and builder, John built the altar, ambo, lectern, holy oil shelves and sanctuary rail at St. Cecilia's.  At St. John XXIII, , he designed and built the baptismal font, holy oil shelves, Holy Family shelf and table, celebrants chairs and other tables.  His other hobbies included remote control helicopters, boating, and fishing. 

Family was ALWAYS number one for John, and he was so very proud of his and Linda's blessings of four children and their spouses. His many grandchildren were especially dear to his heart.  He was a faith-filled man and always lived his life honestly and cheerfully.  He was a super husband and father. His children and grandchildren are a testament to that.  

John is survived by his wife Linda, son Andrew (Betsy) Engelbrecht, daughters Kerri (Leon) Goldsmith, Kristin (Chad) Lyons, Angela (Jeff) Bristow - all who live in the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area, and fifteen grandchildren:  Amber Goldsmith, John Goldsmith, Rachel Engelbrecht, Kristen Engelbrecht, Jacob Engelbrecht, Ryan Engelbrecht, Eli Engelbrecht, Chad Lyons III, Nathan Lyons, Lauren Lyons, Madison Frink, Dylan Frink, Jack Bristow, Henry Bristow, and Kate Bristow. John was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Roselind Engelbrecht, as well as all of his aunts and uncles.  

All are welcome at the Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 4th at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, Florida 33912.   Visitation will begin in the church at 10:00am, followed by Mass at 10:30am, interment of ashes in the church's memorial garden, and a reception in the Parish Life Center.  

In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. John XXIII Poor Box fund in John's honor are welcomed.  

https://osvhub.com/st-john-xx…

John will be so very missed.  Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

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