Conrad O. Engebretson

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 1:59 pm

Conrad O. Engebretson, 85, of Decorah, died Sunday evening, July 15, 2018, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah. Private family graveside services are at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., with full military honors.
Conrad Oscar Engebretson was born April 25, 1933, in Rolette, N.D., the son of Oscar E. and Irene O. (Lembke) Engebretson. He graduated from Decorah High School with the class of 1951 and was the Top Boy student in his class. He attended Luther College, then entered the U.S. Army and served from 1953 to 1955, being stationed in Alaska. He returned to Luther and graduated in 1957, in the same class as his brother Henrik. Then he attended the University of Minnesota for one year, followed by one year at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

Conrad was united in marriage to Joanne Marie Leistikow Aug. 7, 1955, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, Minn. This union was blessed with three children: Kathryn Joanne, Thomas Conrad and Maria Louise. They were later divorced.

Conrad was a soil scientist in Fergus Falls, Minn., then moved to Minneapolis where he worked at Honeywell for many years as a chemical technician. He spent many happy times at Norm and Marty’s resort in Park Rapids, camping and fishing. His fondness for the area prompted him to buy a home in Park Rapids in 1995, where he lived until he needed more care.

Conrad moved to Decorah in February 2017, into Aase Haugen Senior Services.

Conrad is survived by two children, Tom (Marcy) Engebretson of South Haven, Minn. and Maria Engebretson (Bob Kelly), of Bloomington, Minn.; three grandchildren: Michael Engebretson, Ellen (Ryan) Freeman and Emma Engebretson; two brothers, Rev. Henrik G. (Marcia) Engebretson of Decorah and Mark J. (Lynette) Engebretson of St. Louis Park, Minn.; and by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kathryn, Feb. 10, 2005; and a granddaughter, Erin Marie, Dec. 23, 1988.

Conrad’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Aase Haugen Senior Services and W.M.C. Hospice.

Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center, St. Louis, MO 63141 or to W.M.C. Hospice, 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.