Mary Engen

Mary A. Engen passed away peacefully at her home from brain cancer on February 24, 2017. Mary was born on April 10, 1943. She grew up on a cattle farm near Winner, South Dakota. As the second oldest of twelve children, she developed a lifelong dedication to caring for others as she assisted in the upbringing of her younger siblings. Her parents, Pete and Ruth, instilled a love of learning in Mary. She graduated from Winner High School in 1961 and Huron College in 1965, where she majored in English. In 1971, she received a librarian certification from the University of Utah.

Mary met the love of her life, Gary, at the Vincent Van Go Go nightclub in downtown Minneapolis in 1966. They were married in Winner in 1968. They had three children and three grandchildren. Mary thrived in her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother, always lovingly putting the interests of her family members in front of her own.

Mary had a passion for educating others. She taught in Sioux City, Minneapolis, and Rockford, where she also directed theater and debate programs. She was a librarian in Forest Lake. Mary gave up full time work when she had children, but she continued to substitute in the Mounds View School District for many years including 2016. Her favorite substitute teaching assignments were for new immigrants and home bound students because she was able to help them overcome difficult challenges.

Mary was an active member of the Abiding Savior Lutheran Church community for over 46 years. She had a flair for welcoming new members into the church and mentoring young adults in the confirmation process. She volunteered through the church in programs that served those in need, such as Meals on Wheels, Caring and Sharing Hands, Feed My Starving Children, and the Snack Pack Program.

Mary enjoyed spending her free time with friends. She appreciated their great company during walks around the neighborhood and evenings out to plays and movies. She was an avid traveler, taking her family on road trips across the United States and going on Elder hostel tours with her husband after he retired. Her greatest source of joy in later life was her grandchildren. She delighted in devising activities to entertain them and was a regular spectator at their sporting events.

Mary is survived by husband, Gary; children, Jodi (Bryan) Guse and Andy; grandchildren, Wilson, Nolan and Ada; siblings Dorothy (Ken) Qualm, George (Norma) Olson, Susan (Bill) Zanin, Sandra Olson, Carol Olson, Avis (Perry) Clark, Scott Olson, Marjorie (Wayne) Kindle, Heather (Mike) Johnson; nieces and nephews, Rhonda Qualm, Kevin Qualm, Erin Rowley, Trent Olson, Ginger Sievers, Robin Rowley, Angie Zanin, Oly Olson, Nicole Lawrence, Paige Elwood, Matt Rowley, Sam Olson, Scott Kindle, Kelsi Moore, Trevor Kindle, Jordan Johnson, Jessica Olson, Austin Johnson, Seth Olson, and Macy Olson.

Mary was preceded in death by son, Brad, and siblings, Aggie and Duane.


Memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Sat. March 4, 2017 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 8211 Red Oak Drive, Mounds View, MN with a visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church to be used by the Quincy House and Snack Pack Programs.