Dean A. Engebretson

Dean A. Engebretson, age 94, of Garretson, died on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Palisade Healthcare in Garretson. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30-6:30 PM Tuesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Elevator Fund, or any Garretson organization. The service will be live streamed on Dean’s obituary page at www.minnehahafuneralhome.com .

Dean was born on October 15, 1926 at the DuVall Hospital in Garretson to Ralph H. and Alice (Arneson) Engebretson. Growing up on the family farm along the Split Rock River, he attended the one room school house that sat at the edge of the farm for his first 8 years.  As the only student in his grade, Dean was proud to be the top of his class for those 8 years. After that, he headed into town and graduated from Garretson High School in 1944.

On January 11, 1945, he entered active service with the United States Army and served in World War II with the Occupation Army in Korea. Dean was honorably discharged on December 5, 1946. He returned to Garretson and on October 12, 1952, married Joan Amundson at First Lutheran Church in Colton.  Dean worked as a fuel truck driver with Minnehaha Coop Oil for over thirty years. He retired in 1989.  He also took great pride in having driven bus for the Garretson School system for over 50 years.

Dean was a strong believer in community service. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, 75-year member and past Post Commander of the Garretson American Legion, and member of the 40&8. He was also active in the Garretson Commercial Club, member of the Garretson Fire Department, and served as the Mayor of Garretson.

Dean is survived by his wife, Joan, Garretson; children: Deanna Hentges, Garretson; Karen (John) Jewell, Glenwood Springs, CO; Steven (Michele) Engebretson, Ashburn, VA; Laura (Craig) Nussbaum, Garretson; Kevin (Anne) Engebretson, Polson, MT; David Engebretson, Polson, MT; Sandra (Mark) Williamson, Garretson; Mary (Todd) Tilberg, Garretson; 17 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and two on the way; brothers, John Engebretson, Dallas, TX, and Donald Engebretson, Prior Lake, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruby Phillips; several in-laws; and great grandchildren, Bryar and Tori.