Merelle Engebretson

Merelle Loretta Engebretson, 88, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at the Shady Oaks Retreat, rural Underwood.  She was born December 18, 1921, in Underwood, Minnesota, the daughter of Alfred E. and Sofie M. (Ledding) Gronner. She attended school in Underwood, where she participated in sports, speech, and orchestra, graduating from high school in 1939. She then attended Moorhead State University, graduating with a two year teaching degree. While in college she played in several sports, and was also president of the Women’s Soriety. She taught at many rural schools in the area, including the Amor School, District 96 (the Tomhave School), District 230, District 109, District 200, District 92 (1430) and the Elizabeth School. In 1956 she started teaching at McKinley School in Fergus Falls. While teaching she attended night school and summer school at Moorhead State, and graduated in 1966 with a 4 year degree in Elementary Education. She retired in 1983 after 46 years of teaching, 27 of them spent at McKinley. On June 17, 1944, she married Elder Engebretson at the Unitarian Church in Underwood. They farmed north of Underwood, and later north of Fergus Falls where they raised their three children. Merelle loved scrapbooking, reading, working crossword puzzles, and quilting, and also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins play – she was a great fan. The family always enjoyed music and art. She was a member of The Federated Church where she sang in the choir, served as Sunday School Superintendent and taught Sunday school. She was a member of ADK, serving as president and historian. She was also a member of Fergus Rural Homemakers for many years. She directed 4-H plays for Fergus 4-H, and was a 4-H leader. Music was an important part of Merelle’s life, and she sang in many groups including 20 years with the Barbershop Belles, and with Eterpe, a women’s elite singing group.  Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Elder in 2008, two brothers, Alvin “Allie” and Herb Gronner, and two sisters, Evelyn Conger and Doris Severson. Survivors include her children: Laurie Henry of Underwood, Daniel Engebretson of Erhard, and Bruce Engebretson of Fergus Falls; three grandchildren: Erik Henry (Amy Petersen), Linnea Henry, and Katelyn Engebretson, all of Fergus Falls; a great-grandson, Ty Mitchel Henry/Holte of Fergus Falls; two sisters, Verna Johnson and Jeanne Quam; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: A time to visit with family one hour prior to the service at the church Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at The Federated Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:  Reverend Leah Ntuala Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials may be directed to Laurie Henry, 27924 260th Street, Underwood MN 56586