Nebraska Delts are saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Engler (Beta Tau, 1951) to the Chapter Eternal on May 3, 2024. He was 94 years of age. He is remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, innovation in the cattle industry, and his overwhelming generosity to young entrepreneurs.

A son of Stuart, Nebraska, Paul Frederick Engler’s love for cattle created the entrepreneurial spirit that guided him throughout life and provided for his famous expression, “Fire in the Belly”. He bought his first herd of cattle at the age of 12. From there, by understanding risk and how to manage it, Engler created the most successful cattle operation in the world.

Brother Engler attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was initiated in the Beta Tau Chapter of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity on March 26, 1947. Brother Engler was one of the first Delts to live in the current Shelter at 715 N. 16th Street. He graduated from the University in 1951. He was married to Virginia Engler, who passed away in 1996.

Engler moved to Texas in 1975 and founded Cactus Feeders which became the largest cattle feeding company in the world.

Brother Engler has given back to his communities by committing millions of dollars to the University of Nebraska, West Texas A&M University, and the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation. The influence of his spirit will continue to benefit students for generations.

In 2010, the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation made a $20 million gift to the University of Nebraska to establish the Paul F. Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program that helps alumni develop businesses. It is estimated that $200 million in revenue has been created from this program.

In 2017, Engler agreed to donate no less than $1 million per year for no fewer than 80 years to West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. In 2022, Engler was awarded an Honorary Ph.D in Business Administration and Agriculture from West Texas A&M University.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on May 8th at the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Amarillo, Texas. Brother Engler’s obituary can be found here.

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