Father Engen

Fr. Bruce Engen, age 74, died Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at St. Joseph's Medical Center, Brainerd. Father Engen was born January 13, 1939, in Minneapolis, to Oscar and Jeanette (Westlake) Engen. He attended St. Bridget's Catholic School. At a young age, he delivered the Minneapolis paper on bicycle. He worked for Honeywell at several locations in the twin cities. In 1966 his love for nature prompted him to move to Remer. He was manager of Remer Hardware and Lumber and later an insurance agent. He was also a foster parent. His calling to the priesthood came later in life. After graduating from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, CT, he was ordained for the Diocese of Duluth on June 25, 1989, by Bishop Robert Brom at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Father Engen served as an Associate Pastor at St. Joseph in Grand Rapids and St. Augustine, Cohasset. In 1990 he was named pastor at St. Charles, Cass Lake and St. Anne, Bena. In 1993 he began service as pastor of St. Agnes, Walker and Sacred Heart, Hackensack. From 1998 until 2003 he was pastor of St. Mary, Deer River and St. Augustine, Cohasset. Then he entered into active retirement being made a senior associate on July 16, 2003. At the time of his death he was serving as a Senior Associate of the Lake Country Parishes while residing at Our Lady of Lourdes in Pine River.

Father had a passion for old farm equipment and John Deere tractors and was known for his generous and welcoming spirit to all who met him.

Fr. Engen is survived by his mother, Jeanette Engen-Barkhoff; younger brothers: Richard Engen (Pat), Howard Engen (Vel), Dean Engen (Deb); nieces and nephews: Robin and Michael Lucas, Michael W. Engen, Gregory and Tonja Engen, Stephanie and Ryan Walseth, Deana and Chris Middendorf, Jaden Engen, Michael H. Engen; numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar; and his stepfather, Louis Barkhoff.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pine River. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 5 to 7 PM at the church. Burial will follow the funeral at Fairview Cemetery in Remer.