Dixie Anne Engelman

Dixie Anne Engelman, 95, of Wood River, IL, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of dedication to family, education, and community.

Born October 3, 1930, in Alton, IL, to the late Zeph and Halley (Tober) Lynch, Dixie lived a life grounded in service and compassion. On March 10, 1953, she married Melvin Charles Engelman at First Baptist Church in Wood River, IL. They shared 65 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2018.

Dixie devoted her career to higher education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, beginning in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology and advancing to leadership roles including Assistant Dean and Associate Dean. She retired as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She remained active in retirement, contributing to SIUE’s 50th Anniversary and was honored with the SIUE Distinguished Service Award in 2014. She and her husband also established a Presidential Scholarship at SIUE and supported additional scholarships at Washington University in St. Louis.

Her service extended into the community, where she contributed to leadership at Eden Church and made history as the first female trustee and first female board president of the Roxana Community Unit School District. She was also a longtime member of P.E.O. Sisterhood and helped establish Chapter LW in East Alton. Later in life, she found a church home that deeply connected with her both spiritually and in community at LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Engelman of Wood River; her son, Timothy Engelman (Kimberly) of Alton; grandsons, Ryan Engelman, of Chicago, and Jared Engelman, of Alton; and her brother, James Lynch, of Frederick, WI.

Besides her husband, Melvin and her parents, Dixie was preceded by a brother, Miles Lynch; and her sister, Beverly Adams.

Dixie will be interred at Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Leclaire Room on 600 Troy Rd. #109, Edwardsville, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dixie Engelman Legacy Fund, supporting educational and community initiatives that reflect Dixie’s lifelong commitment to service and learning. Checks can be mailed to 22 Eastmoor Drive, Wood River, Illinois. An online donation option will be available at the Celebration of Life on June 7. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.