Lester Engen

Wednesday, May 31, 2017 12:17 pm

Lester Engen, 94, of Decorah, died Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Bluffton, with Father Robert Gross officiating. Lectors were Bethia Teslow, Karla Kelly and Christy Klimesh. Organist was Jeanette Dietzenbach. Soloist was Cindy Schissel. Hymns were “Here I Am, Lord,” “Be Not Afraid,” “On Eagles Wings,” “Goin Home” and “How Great Thou Art.” Offertory gift bearers were Abby Halverson, Logan Halverson and Braydin Jump. Casket bearers were Lester’s grandsons: Chad Halverson, Ryan Halverson, Dennis Quam, Terry Quam, Cody Teslow, Jesse Lepa and Matt Wisher. Interment was at St. Bridget Cemetery in Bluffton.

Lester Marion Engen was born May 1, 1923, to Alert and Christina (Melaas) Engen on a farm in Madison Township. Lester attended the Forrester country school, and farmed with his father on the Aase Haugen Farm west of Decorah. Lester married Helen Brown Dec. 29, 1942, at St. Bridget Catholic Church near Bluffton; together they farmed near Burr Oak and Bluffton. In 1966, they moved to the farm near Frankville and farmed until Helen died Nov. 19, 1999. Lester married Dorothy Sampson at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah Feb. 23, 2002. Lester enjoyed driving horses, playing cards, visiting with friends and spending time with his family.

Lester is survived by five daughters: Doris Sweet, Decorah, Rosie (Gene) Hoover, Algona, Joyce (Wayne) Teslow, Postville, Jan (Boyd) Halverson, Decorah and Diane (Larry) Krivachek, Waukon; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two step-daughters, Barbara (Terry Yakish) Adams, Des Moines and Brenda (Richard) Roher, Kewaskum, Wis.; step-son, Gregg (Debbie) Sampson, Vinton; step-grand and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Doris Engen, Decorah, Norma Engen, La Crescent, Minn., Alice (Joe) Hemesath, Decorah and Frances Syverson, Decorah.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Hattie.Bersie; first wife, Helen Engen; second wife, Dorthy Sampson; three brothers: Gordon, Spencer (Anges) Engen and Merlin; one sister, Florence (Leonard) Spilde; in-laws: Regina (Willard) Weber, LaVern Syverson, Lester (Rose) Sharp and Rita (Kenny) Rude.