Dorothy Engen

Dorothy L. Engen, 88, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, June 24, 2010, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. She wasborn December 31, 1921, in Fergus Falls, the daughter of Clarence and Grace (Cook) Elliott. She was baptized at the Federated Church in Fergus Falls. She moved with her family to Wadena where she attended school through the 4th grade. They then moved back to Fergus Falls where she attended Lincoln Elementary and Washington High School graduating in 1940. Following high school she worked at F.W. Woolworths for four years as a clerk and Countryman Drug as a clerk for two years. On January 19, 1946, she married LeVerne “Lee” Engen at the Federated Church. The couple moved to Rugby, North Dakota, where Lee worked for Otter Tail Power until 1949 when they moved to Oakes, North Dakota. In 1950 Lee returned to military service and Dorothy resided in Fergus Falls. From 1951 to 1959 they lived in Crookston, and then in Langdon, North Dakota for 3 ½ years, and back to Crookston in 1963. Following Lee’s retirement in 1984 they spent 10 winters in Donna and Edinburg, Texas. Dorothy lived in Grand Forks for two years before moving to the Mill Street Residence in 2000, and into the Minnesota Veterans Home in March of 2008. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston where she was an historian and also was active in WELCA, and was a member of the Mathein Study Club. She also participated in homemakers and quilting clubs. In 1980 Dorothy was diagnosed with M.S. and for many years she was a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Minnesota. She also enjoyed serving as a volunteer at Riverview Hospital in Crookston. Dorothy enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, making greeting cards and doing crafts, and playing cards and board games. Preceding her in death were her parents, Clarence and Grace, her husband, Lee, in 1999, an infant daughter, Barbara Lee, in 1949, a son, Richard, in 1970 at 18 years of age, two brothers, Wallace Elliott and Earl Elliott, and one sister, Evelyn Melting. Survivors include three sons:   Douglas (Debrah) Engen of Minnetonka, MN, Miles (Chris) Engen of Lakeville, MN, and Scott Engen of Fergus Falls; six grandchildren, Dana (Abby), David, Damian, Daniella, Ashley (Josh) Sands, and Lisa; one step grandson, Adam; one great-granddaughter, Megan Marie; one sister, Geraldine Melby of Fergus Falls; a twin brother, Donald (Virginia) Elliott of Fergus Falls; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota MS Society. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Service:  1 p.m. Monday, June 28, 2010, at the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Clergy:  Reverend Paul H. Nelson Interment:  Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home:  Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls