Al Engebretson
Written by his brother, George Engebretson Jr.
When I think of brother Al, all the good things that come, or came, from Rembrandt
are brought to mind. To me, he represents the consummate good that humans seek
in life. He didn’t talk much of the difficult times his youth was subjected
to. A father called away from home by duty in World War II. His battle, as well
as his sister, Sandy’s, with scarlet fever, while Dad was gone. Sandy’s
passing away at a tender age due to leukemia, and the pressure of being the
oldest son in the family. Instead he chose to relate the good times he had growing
up and the wonderful friends and friendships he acquired while in Rembrandt.
I don’t recall Al ever saying much of anything “bad” about
anyone he knew. He lived an honest, straightforward life with his Soul Mate
and Love of his Life “Shirley”. Together they worked hard, played
by the rules, lived the “American Way”, and raised four wonderful
children to adulthood.
Al was proud to have served his country in the US Navy. However, for some reason he refused to fly after leaving the service. Perhaps this had something to do with his military occupation of supplying parts for planes on the aircraft carrier “Coral Sea” and the number of crashes he witnessed.
Al always enjoyed the “All School Reunions” and visiting with
old friends and acquaintances. The memories which surfaced there were dear to
Al, just as our memories of him will always be dear to us.
He was a pretty darn good athlete too!
Alan Engebretson, another story in the legacy of Rembrandt, will live on.
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Obituary – Quoted from Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home
Alan D. Engebretson
Alan Engebretson, age 71, of Storm Lake, Iowa died on Monday, July 21, 2008 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, surrounded by the love of his family. Funeral services were held at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial was in Storm Lake Cemetery.
Alan D. Engebretson was born on September 19, 1936, to George R. and Constance "Duane" (Doyle) Engebretson in Spencer, Iowa. He graduated from Rembrandt High School in 1955. After his naval service, Al attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake for one year.
On October 1, 1955, Alan was united in marriage to Shirley A. Bjorklund at the Rembrandt United Methodist Church. They were blessed with four children: Alene, Alesa, Alan Jr. and Alec.
From 1955 to 1959, Alan served his country in the U.S. Navy. He attained the rank of AK3 in VAH-11 where he was stationed in Sanford, Florida, for three of those years. Following his honorable discharge, Al and Shirley moved to Storm Lake where they would work and raise a family.
Al worked at Witt Sales for 30 years, in auto parts for five years, and drove a school bus for 12 years. He loved sports his entire life. During high school, Al played basketball and baseball. As a young father, he coached several years of Little League baseball. Al enjoyed stock car races, bowling, golfing, reading, and watching documentaries. He had a special interest in history, notably that related to the military and WWII. He was a member of the AMVETs and the Elks Lodge. Al was devoted to his family, and lovingly enjoyed their various activities.
Those surviving include his wife, Shirley Engebretson of Storm Lake; his children:
Alene Rickels and her husband Ronn of Iowa Falls, Iowa; Alesa Case and her husband
Todd of Iowa City, Iowa; Alan Engebretson, Jr. and his wife, Connie of LeMars,
Iowa; and Alec Engebretson and his wife J.S. of Crete, Nebraska; grandchildren:
Kipp, Kade and Keaton Rickels; Teague and Eamon Case; Cody, Briana, Eli, Katrina
and Josiah Engebretson; Colin, Elisabeth, Anthony and Molly Engebretson; two
brothers: George Engebretson and his wife, Karyn of Marcus, Iowa; and Doyle
Engebretson and his special friend Susan Beving of Rembrandt; one uncle, Herman
"Bill" Engebretson; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Al was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandra Rae.