Dennis Karl Engen

Dennis was born May 12, 1945 to Clayton and Ida Engen in Duluth, MN. Dennis attended Munger Elementary School, Washington Junior High School and Central High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis; serving in Japan, the Philippines, and the Tonkin Gulf. After being honorably discharged, he enlisted in the Minnesota Air National Guard.

Dennis spent the majority of his working life employed by the State of Minnesota-working for the Department of Education, Department of Administration, and the Department of Corrections, from which he retired in 2008.

Dennis loved the Lord, was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Dennis was active in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Proctor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Superior; serving on the churches Call Committee and Council, currently attending Peace in Christ Church. He was a member of the Minnesota Chief Engineer Guild. When living in White Bear Lake, Dennis helped his wife with her work with the homeless.

His family and staff at St. Mary’s SICU helped him gently complete this life’s journey. Dennis will be remembered for his devotion to his wife, and family, his wonderful smile, and his relationship with the grandchildren who were the light of his life, his sense of humor, honesty, and caring.

Dennis looked forward to his winters in San Diego with his brother Steve and sister-in-law Annie, reunions with his three brothers and sister. He treasured his time at the cabin with his brother-in-law Vern. He loved life and helping family, friends, and neighbors with household repairs and projects.

Dennis’ hobbies included reading, fishing and woodworking. He loved making things for his grandkids. He could make or fix just about anything.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Ida Engen; brother Irvin; grandparents and father-in-law Donald Swanum.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 34 years Julie Ann; children Jody (Mike) Rademaker of St. Paul, Deborah Engen of Duluth, Joel (Nancy) Omundson of Duluth and Craig Engen of Washington; 11 grandchildren; brothers Steven Paul (Annie) of San Diego, Donald (Dianna) of Thunder Bay, Robert of Eden Prairie; sister Kathleen (Keith) Getz of Columbia, Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews; brother-in-law Vernon (Jan) Swanum of Duluth; mother-in-law Lorraine Swanum of Duluth and his wonderful friend Garry Hawkinson.

A memorial service and celebration of Dennis’ life will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church 5007 Maple Grove Rd. Hermantown. To leave a memory of Dennis or words of support for the family please visit www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com Bell brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home 722-5131

Arrangements under the direction of Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home, Duluth, MN.