Donald Engelke

Donald "Don" John Engelke, age 73, of White Earth, MN, passed away Monday, February 20, 2012, at the home of his daughter, Cheryl, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, February 24, 2012, at the Ogema Community Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be made in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Twin Valley, MN in the spring of 2012. David-Donehower Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave online condolences, please visit www.daviddonehower.com. Don was born April 15, 1938, to William and Alice (Allrich) Engelke in Gary, MN. He grew up and attended school in Twin Valley, MN. Following his schooling, Don enlisted in the Unite States Army on July 11, 1955, where he served until his honorable discharge on April 22, 1958. Upon his return to Twin Valley, MN, Don gained employment on an area farm where he worked for a number or years. He was a jack of all trades and also worked as a woodsman and enjoyed cutting wood. He also worked as an auto mechanic, drove milk truck near Twin Valley, MN, and worked at Spappy in Detroit Lakes. Don was united in marriage to Isabell Warren on November 24, 1959, and their union was blessed with five children. Don's life was saddened by the death of his wife at a young age. He was later united in marriage to Tony Vilas and the family was blessed with two more children. When Don was not busy with work, he enjoyed a drive through the country roads where he enjoyed the scenery. He liked stopping to visit with friends along the way. He also had a passion for country music and a good western movie. He loved his children and grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them. He will be missed by his nine children: John (Bev) Engelke of Savage, MN, Bill (Mary Beth) Engelke of Arthur, ND, Sharon (Alvin Dixon) Engelke of Ada, MN, Dan Engelke of Moorhead, MN, Christie Engelke of Minneapolis, MN, Terry (Lorene Norcross) Peake of Ponsford, MN, Tracy (L.J. Howard) Engelke of Minneapolis, MN, Chad (Cheryl Norcross) Dakota of Detroit Lakes, MN and Cheryl (Sonny Bigbear) Engelke of Frazee, MN; 25 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 1 brother, Kenneth Engelke of Mahnomen, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Isabell Engelke; and special friends, Barb Dakota and Peggy Johnson.

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, February 24, 2012
Service
Friday, February 24, 2012

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