Services for Dennis Engebretson,
Mon, 05/03/2021 - 10:12am
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Dennis Engebretson, 73, of Leonard, Minnesota died on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 surrounded by his loving family at Mayo in Rochester, MN
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel in Bagley, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bagley. Interment will be held at the Norway Lake Cemetery at Leonard, MN.
Dennis was born February 20, 1948 in Bagley the son of Belvia Engebretson and Henry Blohm. Dennis grew up in Clearwater County and attended schools at Twin Valley, Gonvick and Bagley. At the age of 14, Dennis went to live with Art and Ethel Johnson in rural Bagley. He graduated from Bagley High School in 1966 and worked for the Youth Corp. After graduation, he worked at the Bagley Peeler, then spent a season as a Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes. Dennis then took a bus to Alaska to visit his Aunt Gladyce and Uncle Mel Lofthus, and upon returning he was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1968. In 1969, Dennis was sent to Vietnam. After serving our country, Dennis was honorably discharged in March of 1970, with several medals received. He moved to the Twin Cities, where he held various jobs for 3 years. He married the love of his life, Renee Thorson, in Leonard in 1972. To this union 3 sons were born, Chad, Shane and Cole. The couple moved back to Leonard, where he owned and operated Engebretson Logging for over 30 years. In 2001, Dennis went to work for the Bemidji Post Office as head of maintenance retiring in 2011, after 10 years of service. Dennis was a member of the Irvin Blix American Legion Post #16 of Bagley, MN for 46 years as well as the VFW and the Vintage Car Club. His favorite pastimes were playing guitar and singing and was a member of the B.S. Valley Boys Band. Dennis volunteered his time playing music at Nursing Homes and other functions. He enjoyed working on and restoring 57’ Chevy’s, and especially recently started working on and restoring his two door 57’ Chevy hardtop, with his son, Cole. Dennis also enjoyed doing yard work, curling, traveling, feeding and watching the birds, sports, riding the side by side, spending time with his “Sweet Pea” (Renee), his sons, granddaughters, family and friends.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 49 years – Renee Engebretson of Leonard, MN
Sons – Chad Engebretson of Leonard, MN
Son – Shane Engebretson of Lisbon, North Dakota
Son – Cole Engebretson of Shevlin, MN
Granddaughter – Madison Haugen of Lisbon, ND
Granddaughter – Skylar Engebretson of Crookston, MN
Brother – David Johnson of Grand Forks, ND
Sister – Diane (Ed) Kuhn of Lake Oswego, Oregon
Brothers-in-law – Barron Thorson of Leonard, and Arlan Dahlke of Bagley.
Jim Olson of Bagley.
Special Aunts – Marion Haugen of Fosston.
Marge Engebretson of Bagley.
Special Uncle - Norman Anderson of Bagley.
Like a Brother – Bruce Haugen of Fosston.
Numerous nieces, nephews and friends
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters – Linda and Mary; on brother Kenny Johnson; Father-in-law and mother-in-law; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; numerous aunts, uncles and 2 nephews.
Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com