Margaret Dorothy Engebretson

FUNERAL HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 11:00 a.m.Margaret Engebretson, age 96, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on August 25, 2013 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.Margaret Dorothy Gilberts was born on December 9, 1916 near Lily, South Dakota, the daughter of Olaf and Carrie (Siggerud) Gilberts. She was baptized and attended country school near Lily, South Dakota until the age of eleven, when she moved to Pelican Rapids, MN with her family in 1927. Margaret was confirmed on May 30, 1930 at the Pelican Valley Lutheran Church. She attended school in Pelican Rapids and graduated from the Pelican Rapids High School in 1933.After high school, Margaret worked at a number of jobs, including coaching boys baseball, girls softball, basketball teams and running a preschool program. At the age of 19, while working as a waitress in a local restaurant in Pelican Rapids, she met Clifford Engebretson, the love of her life. Margaret and Clifford were married on November 8, 1937 at the Pelican Valley Church parsonage. Clifford died on August 9, 1992. Margaret lived in their home with their son Steven, until February of 2013, at which time she moved to the Riverfront Manor Assistive Living in Pelican Rapids.Margaret was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church for more than 60 years, participating in Ladies Aid, Circle and the quilting group. She served on the church council and the Pelican Valley Cemetery Board. Margaret was a 54-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, proudly serving as the groups' secretary for more than 40 years. She was most proud of being awarded the Auxiliary community "Home Service Award" for volunteerism in the American Legion Auxiliary. Margaret was well known for the hundreds of lap robes she made for veterans and the many baby quilts she made for family, friends and needy recipients.Margaret enjoyed journaling, writing letters and time spent with family and friends. She traveled to many places throughout her life, including California, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Texas, Seattle, England and Norway. She especially enjoyed the Engebretson family reunions held every 3 years since 1991, in Arkansas, Minnesota, Colorado, Door County of Wisconsin, Lake Tahoe in California, and New York.Margaret had an excellent memory. She loved to share stories and information about family and friends in the community. Her recollection of events and dates was remarkable.Margaret is survived by her two daughters; Avis (Dale) Cowden, Dilworth, MN and Janet (Harry) Anderson, Covina, CA; five sons: Juel (Charlotte) Engebretson, Pittsburgh, PA, Elwood Engebretson, Austin, TX, Collin (Elizabeth) Engebretson, Dent, MN, Mark (Colleen) Engebretson, Breckenridge, MN, and Steven Engebretson, Pelican Rapids; fifteen grandchildren: Avis's: Pam (Randy) Vadnais and Robert (Nicole) Cowden; Janet's: Gregg (Dina) Anderson, Julie (Mark) Pasquarella; Juel's: Carrie (Kevin) Hoffman; Elwood's: Roni Cancino, Ramey Perez, Rodger Engebretson, Roshel Anderson and Reiner Engebretson; Collin's: Mary (Bruce) Bergene and Kelly (Troy) Higgins; Mark's: Kristoffer (Hanna) Engebretson, Mikael Engebretson and Kjerstin Engebretson; 28 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and 6 sisters-in-law. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Clifford; her parents; her son Paul; 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Visitation: Friday, September 6, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Larson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pelican RapidsClergy: Pastors Laurie Skow-Anderson and Al GrotheBurial: Pelican Valley Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, MNFuneral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572