Donovan D. Engle

Donovan D. Engle, affectionately known "Birddog" or "Goldie," passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 4, 2025, following a long battle with terminal illness. Born on August 26, 1954, in the quaint town of Perham, Minnesota, Donovan lived a life steeped in his steadfast passion for dairy farming—a vocation he cherished for over fifty years before retiring in 2017 due to health complications.

A proud graduate of Frazee High School in 1972, Donovan embarked on a lifelong journey, not just in agricultural endeavors but also as a passionate collector of what many would consider “junk”. He found joy in rummaging through potential treasures, antiquing, and participating in auctions—both in person and online—always in search of that next unique find. With a spirit that relished history and a heart for the great outdoors, he was an avid hunter who sought coon, birds, and deer with great enthusiasm.

Life for Donovan was also punctuated by a profound devotion to sports, especially his unwavering support for the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. He was the type who would cheer even harder for any team playing against the Green Bay Packers, embodying a spirit that was both competitive and playful.

For 40 years and 7 months, Donovan shared his life with the love of his life, his beloved wife Donna Engle (Korinta). Their journey began on a warm August day in 1984, forging a partnership that exemplified love’s true essence. Together, they created a family that blossomed into a legacy of love, joy, and connection.

Along with his cherished wife, Donovan is survived by his son, Kristopher (Yvette) Engle, and step-children Nathan Teiken (Krista), Mae Ann, Mike (Carl) Geving, Daniel and Emily Teiken, his sister Sylvia (wife of the late Herman Galbrecht Jr.), and his sister in law, Janice Sauder. His role as a grandfather was adorned with the laughter and love of his grandchildren—, McKenzie, McKalen (Meagan), Gunnar, Lizzy, Felicia, Autumn, Dylan, Jeremy, Wyatt, Hunter, Hayden, and Kaitlyn—as well as his great-grandchildren, Lydia, Chandler, Mallory, Morgan, Myles, Maverick, and Cleo.

Donovan's legacy is one colored by warmth, joy, and an insatiable curiosity about the world, which even led him to knowing what a "brass monkey" really is, supposed conversations with aliens, and the mythical pursuit of Bigfoot. He was molded by the threads of family, faith, and the rich tapestry of his rural upbringing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Graydon and Grace Engle, as well as brothers Alfred and Boyd, and sister Carolyn. His grandson Hank joins him in eternal rest, giving rise to a poignant sense of reunion.

In celebration of his life, friends and family are invited to join for a visitation at St Paul's Lutheran Evergreen in Frazee, Minnesota, on March 17, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Immediately after, a graveside service will be conducted at St Paul's Lutheran Evergreen Cemetery at 1:00 PM, where memories will be shared in honor of a man who lived his life to the fullest, surrounded by a legacy of cherished relationships. Please wear your best Vikings colors to honor Donovan’s memory and make him proud!

In lieu of flowers, if it is within your means, and from the kindness of your heart, contributions may be made to Donovan's funeral expense by clicking the link below:

SECURE PAYMENT PAGE FOR DONOVAN ENGLE