Thomas Engfer

Thomas Albert Engfer was born February 13, 1941 in Carlos, MN, the son of Albert and Myrtle (McCommas) Engfer. Tom and his family moved to Osakis, MN where he attended school. Tom enjoyed sports and participated in football, basketball and track. Following his high school graduation Tom moved to Fargo, ND and began working for Dale Tile. This began a long career in the flooring industry. Tom attended Moorhead State University and continued his career with Fargo Paper Co. On March 16, 1963 Tom was united in marriage to Linda Jahr at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. The couple made their home in Fargo. In the late 1960?s Tom and Linda moved to Grand Forks, ND where he continued to work in the floor covering industry. About 1978 Tom and his family moved to Anoka, MN where he began working for WW Henry, a flooring adhesive company. He continued his career with WW Henry, moving to Chicago, IL, to become regional sales manager. Tom then moved to Georgia where he served as vice president of XL Corp. He completed his career with Chapco where he retired in 2005. In 1974 Tom and Linda bought property on Lake Darling near Alexandria. They began spending weekends on the lake in a tent the first year. They upgraded to a trailer the next year and in 1995 they moved a house on to the lot. In 2001 Tom and Linda completed a major remodel of the house creating a beautiful year round home. Tom loved lake living. He enjoyed fishing and going for cruises on the pontoon boat. Tom enjoyed watching all sports. He loved watching the golf channel and golfing with his friends when he was able. Tom has been a lifelong fan of Minnesota Gopher Football. He cheered for the Gophers wherever he lived. After retiring and moving to Minnesota Tom immediately bought season tickets. Tom?s greatest assets were his ability and desire to visit with people and make new friends. He also knew how to have fun with his friends. He had a great laugh and great sense of humor. When he retired he agreed, at Linda?s request, to learn the game of Bridge and became a ?loving? Bridge partner. The Engfer?s were famous for their New Year?s Eve Parties where they entertained friends, neighbors and family. Tom really enjoyed just sitting around the table and visiting with company. For several years Tom and Linda spent a portion of the winter in Mesa, AZ where they were part of a retirement association. The both served on the entertainment committee and the dance committee. Tom was all about fun. He helped organize and participate in their variety show; they dubbed it Senior Idol. Tom also loved all children. He especially loved time spent with his grandchildren. He would take them to McDonald?s Playland and attend events that they participated in. On July 31, 2012 Tom died at the age of seventy-one years. His parents, one brother, Allen Engfer; and one sister, Jean Quay, preceded him in death. Tom is survived by his wife, Linda Engfer of Alexandria; daughter, Julie Slack and husband, Robert, of Alexandria; son, John Engfer and wife, Jennifer, of Minneapolis, MN; four grandchildren, Nevaeh Slack, Brogan Engfer, Finley Engfer and Colin Slack; and two sisters, Janice Trummer of Lake Andes, SD and Lorraine Frier of Fargo. A funeral service was held Saturday, August 4, 2012 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Greg Billberg was the officiant. Randy Morken and Todd Lines provided music. Casket bearers included Art Hillman, Chuck Gates, Dave Moen, Dave Pederson, Dick Lanigan, Dick Vangstad, Jerry Flom, Paul Fieldhammer, Ray Norsted, Ron Peterson, Warren Olson and Wayne Westlund. Arrangements were with Anderson Funeral Home