Joan Engel

Joan Marcella (Butler) Engel, age 96 of Frazee, Minnesota passed away Monday, March 21 at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born in Fargo, ND on January 10, 1926, to Elmer and Regina (Matuszewski) Butler; the youngest of 3 children. The family lived in Dilworth, MN and then also on a small farm near Detroit Lakes, MN. Joan graduated from Dilworth High School in 1944. After high school, Joan worked as a clerk for the Northern Pacific Railroad. Joan was united in marriage to Ralph Engel on June 11, 1946, in Dilworth, MN. Their lives were blessed with 3 sons: Terry, Denis, and Richard. They farmed near Hungry Lake in rural Frazee for 13 years. Spent one year in Spokane, Washington and then came back to Acorn Lake near Frazee, Minnesota where Engel Construction Company was founded; they spent many years building homes together until 1990.

Joan was a devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She had many talents: including knitting, crocheting, embroidery, quilting, sewing, baking, and giving to others. Joan also enjoyed square dancing for 27 years; card parties, snowmobiling, and riding motorcycle. She had a love of outdoors: gardening, fishing, and deer hunting with family. Joan enjoyed spending time at the casino, working jig-saw puzzles, and social gatherings; getting together with friends and family every chance that she could get was very important to her. Joan had a love for life that was contagious and evident to all. She was most proud of her 6 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and her 10 great-great grandchildren. Joan was a people person who will be remembered for her optimism and spirit of fun. She showered all that knew her with unconditional love and she touched many lives. We will carry her abundant love and sweetness in our hearts forever.

She will be lovingly remembered by her 2 sons: Terry of Frazee, Denis (Ida) of Detroit Lakes; daughter by marriage Marie Baumgart of Detroit Lakes; special friend David Pladson, of Mayville, ND; 6 grandchildren: Toni (Mark) Carlstrom, Darin Engel, Wayne (Lesa) Engel, Sandra (Gene) Engel Youngs, Michelle (Aaron) Scott, and Scot Engel; 14 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and dear friends.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Engel, son Richard Engel, daughter-in-law Charlene Engel, brother Aubrey Butler, sister Madelon Ainsworth, and her parents.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Monday, March 28, 2022, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee.  Visitation will be 3:00 – 6:00 pm, Sunday, March 27 at Furey Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:00 pm.  The visitation will continue 1-hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Arrangements with the Furey Funeral Home of Frazee.

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