Fargo, ND – Marie Alice Engen, born March 27, 1932, in Viking, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, in Fargo, ND.
She was the youngest of six children born to Albert and Gina (Nelson) Halvorson and was raised on the family farm. She was baptized on June 30, 1932, and confirmed on October 28, 1945, at Zion Lutheran Church in Viking.
Marie attended country school at Ridgeview in Marshall County and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1950. On December 30, 1949, she married Ronald Engen at Zion Lutheran Church in Viking. The couple initially lived in Thief River Falls before moving to Rockaway, OR. In 1953, they returned to Thief River Falls, where they raised their three children.
Marie dedicated over 40 years to retail work at Junior Shop, Bjorkman’s Clothing, and Purdy’s Shoe Store. She had a love for travel, reading, embroidery, jigsaw puzzles, and dominoes. Known for her humor, she enjoyed making people laugh and even performed as “Tillie” on 17 occasions.
A devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, Marie sang in the choir for over 40 years and served as the children’s choir director for several years. She also volunteered as a Reach to Recovery supporter at the hospital for 23 years and was involved in Stephen Ministry. Marie started a prayer group at her apartment in Fargo where they met once a week.
Marie is survived by her children, Jerome (Debra) Engen of Thief River Falls, Renee (Myles) Henney of St. Hilaire, and Michael Engen of Arden Hills; grandchildren, Lezlie (Jason) LaVoy, Jeremy (Heather) Engen, Jason (Robin) Engen, Brendon Engen, Adam (Jaqueline) Henney, Stephanie (Rob) Kava, and Kayla (Aaron) Molkenthin; great-grandchildren, Emily Engen, Andrew LaVoy, Sydney LaVoy, Grant Henney, Ayla Henney, Lucas Engen, Wylie Engen, Sawyer Engen, and Rueben Molkenthin; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ron; daughter-in-law, Nina Engen; siblings, Alvin (Nina) Halvorson, Marceline (George) Gatchell, Lois (Lester) Sorenson, Evodia (Kenneth) Cook, and Veronica (Glenn) Moose; and other loved ones.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating. Burial will follow at Viking Cemetery, Viking.
Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Marie’s kindness and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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