Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Elmer John Engen Memorial
Elmer John Engen Memorial

Elmer John Engen

Elmer John Engen

Monday, May 16th, 2016

Elmer John Engen, 87, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 15, 2016 surrounded by his family.
He was born on November 14, 1928 in Epping, North Dakota, the son of Ellef & Burghild (Skaugerud) Engen. In 1936 the family moved to Sedro-Woolley where Elmer was raised and attended school; he attended Sedro-Woolley High School where he was undefeated during his wrestling career and graduated with the class of 1949.
Elmer served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge he returned to the Skagit Valley where he was united in marriage to Donna Ridenhour and from that union his children, Rocky and Terri were born. In 1980 he married Virginia Olson-Frizzell and for the past 35 years they have made their home in Sedro-Woolley.
Elmer worked as a heavy equipment operator in the timber industry for many years, working building logging roads and providing culvert maintenance for Scott Paper and then worked for the Dept. of Natural Resources for 12 years, retiring in 1993.
Elmer was an avid sports fan and was a huge supporter of the SWHS wrestling teams, attending almost every match for years. He also enjoyed fishing. Elmer was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 43 in Sedro-Woolley; was a member of the Eagles Club in Sedro-Woolley and Burlington and of the Elks Lodge 1604 in Mount Vernon.
Elmer is survived by his wife Virginia; son and daughter-in-law, Rocky & Ann Engen and daughter Terri Stewart and her companion Barry Smith, all of Sedro-Woolley; 4 step-children, Jeff Frizzell (Linda), Rick Frizzell, Steve Frizzell and Connie Shoemaker (Brian); sister, Eleanor Dobson; 19 grand and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Alvin Engen and sister Myrtle Olson.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the American Legion Hall at Murdock & Ferry Streets in Sedro-Woolley. Private inurnment will be at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post in Sedro-Woolley or the Grace Cochrum Guild, c/o the Children’s Therapy Fund at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Guestbook

  • Duane Rapelje

    I’m very sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. I remember Alvin and him in school. I remember when I stayed with them and they ran a ferry across the Skagit River. Both were great guys.

  • Kim & Mo Hargrove

    We are terrible sorry for your loss. We enjoyed Elmer’s company and his easy-going spirit. We pray that Virginia and the kids find peace and comfort.

  • Skip and Ron Leitner

    Virginia…So sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

  • Debbie Roozen Scott

    In younger years I always loved seeing Terri & her parents at the horse shows. Mr. Engen was one of the kindest, most helpful parents. Always SO supportive of all the riders. I was so sorry to hear he passed. My sister Bernie has been in heaven almost 20 years. I’m sure she’s happy to see his smiling face & that they’ll have many laughs talking about the “good old days”. Our heartfelt condolescenses to the entire extended family.

  • Chuck Potter

    I am so sorry to hear that Elmer has passed away. We were long time friends in Clear Lake. With regards to the family.

    Chuck Potter

  • Bob Betschart

    Rocky and Terri,

    Sorry to hear about Elmer. Our families have a lot of great memories and your dad was a peach of a guy. He was one I always admired. He will be missed by many.

    With deep sympathy for your loss,

    Bob Betschart