Thief River Falls – Eileen Rhen, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023 at her home, at the age of 75.
Eileen Lynette Engebretsen was born in Crookston, on May 17, 1948 to Hans and Irene (Wicken) Engebretsen. She grew up in Clearbrook, and attended and graduated from Clearbrook High School in 1966.
From 1966-1967 Eileen attended and graduated from Hibbing Vo-tech School for Medical Lab Assistant.
On Good Friday, March 24, 1967 Eileen and Russell Rhen became engaged. They were united in marriage on August 19, 1967, and made their home in Clearbrook, where they were blessed with two children, Kaj and Nancy.
Eileen was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Clearbrook where she was very active in the church choir, taught Sunday School, and was a member of the ladies circle. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #0256 for 49 years and the Clearbrook Volunteer Fire Girls for 14 years.
Eileen worked in the Public School as a dietary aide, baker/bakery manager for Granley’s Fairway, and the Good Samaritan Center all in Clearbrook.
In 1988 Eileen and family moved to Duluth. They moved again in 1989 to Thief River Falls, where she resided ever since. While living in Thief River Falls she became a familiar face to many in the community while demoing various foods at Hugo’s.
Eileen was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, sang in the church choir, was active in circle, was co-chair for sharing servants, and served on church boards. Eileen was a volunteer and part-time employee at the T.R.F. Heritage Center.
Eileen’s family is the most important part of her life. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved her family dearly. Eileen enjoyed reading, sewing, counted cross stitch, fishing, gardening, Bingo, baking, jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards.
Eileen is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Russell; children, Kaj (Winnie Austin) Rhen of Moorhead, and Nancy Rhen of Ada; granddaughter, Ava Grams; brothers-in-law, Gordon (Barbie) Rhen of Lake Wales, FL, and Rick (Renetta) Rhen of Clearbrook; nieces and nephews, Jeff (Lorie) Engebretsen, Mike (Lynn) Engebretsen, Joann (Pat) Greendahl, Aric Rhen, Andrea (Dana) Johnson, and Mitchell Rhen; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hans and Irene Engebretsen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Ruby Rhen; and brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Joan Engebretsen.
Funeral Services wereheld at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating.
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