Rudolph "Rudy" Theodore Engebretson

Rudolph “Rudy” Engebretson, 97, of Garretson, South Dakota, passed away on April 10, 2006, at Palisade Manor in Garretson. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 14, 2006, at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson with interment in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 6-8:00 P.M. Thursday, April 13, 2006, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.

Rudy was born October 27, 1908, in rural Garretson, South Dakota to John and Christine (Hove) Engebretson. He grew up on the family farm and attended the White Willow Country School #125, and in 1926, graduated from Garretson High School. He then attended Augustana College and South Dakota State College for one year each. Following his education he farmed with his father until 1935. On October 8, 1932, Rudy married Gladys Stensland at Garretson. They lived and farmed on the family homestead until they moved into Garretson in 1975. Gladys passed away on August 9, 1997.


Rudy was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson, where he taught Sunday School, and served on the building committee for the new church building. He served on the White Willow Country School Board, and the Palisade Township Board. He was also a member of the Rock-Minnehaha Male Chorus for many years. Rudy enjoyed bowling, baseball, and spending time with his family.


He’s lovingly remembered by his sons: Gordon and his wife Peggy, of Garretson, Charles and his wife Connie, of Garretson, Paul, of Garretson, Alan and his wife Mary, of San Diego, California, Larry and his wife Jackie, of Garretson, and Randy, of Bakersfield, California; thirteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.


Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, four sisters, and one great-grandson.