Gertie Engel

Gertie Elvira Engel was born on September 10, 1921, the daughter of Edwin and Gulborg (Knutson) Severson in Alexandria, Minnesota. She was raised on the Severson Family Farm in Moe Township and attended District 8 Country School in rural Garfield. She graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris. Gertie was fortunate to be able to do some traveling and worked in places like Chicago and Seattle before coming back home to help on the farm. Being an only child, she was thrilled to have her cousin, Pearl (Fatland) Johnson live with the family from the age of 8. Gertie was joined in marriage to Delphin Engel on October 27, 1946. They farmed in Urness Township briefly before making their home on the Severson farm where they raised three children: Barbara, Pamela and John and continued to farm until retiring. Gertie was involved in her children?s lives and was always cooking, baking, sewing, and canning produce from the garden in addition to helping with farm chores. During their retirement years, Delphin and Gertie did a good amount of traveling, a number of trips going to Delphin?s shipmate reunions. Gertie took an active part in West Moe Lutheran Church holding office in the ELCW, Circle and teaching Sunday School. She also belonged to and held office in the homemakers club, the American Legion Auzillary and the Moe 4-H. Gertie is survived by her two daughters: Barbara (Dennis) Gulbranson, Pamela (Byron) Terral, son: John (Joyce) Engel; eight grandchildren: Neal (Lori) Gulbranson, Joanna (David) Hansen, Sara (Ryan) Severson, Paul (Jamie) Terral, Abby (Toby) Allen, Amy Engel, Julia (Christian) Larson, Diana Engel; thirteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dephin; parents, cousin, Pearl Johnson. Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 9, 2014, 1:00 PM at West Moe Lutheran Church, rural Brandon. Burial at West Moe Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net