Marlys Engebretson

Marlys DeVonne Engebretson passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Little Falls Care Center, Little Falls, MN.

Marlys was born to Dewey and Olga Herfindahl on November 12, 1935 in Lake Park, MN. She graduated from Lake Park High School. On September 3, 1955 Marlys married Orland (Ole) Engebretson at Lake Park Lutheran Church and they raised five children together. They were married for over 50 years until Ole's passing in May 2013.

Mom was a genuinely sweet woman. She was kindhearted and patient and was never one to pass judgment. She was always supportive of her children’s endeavors. She was funny and at times goofy, which made our home full of laughter. She took great pride in making a beautiful home for her family. Her children, family, and friends will forever cherish many happy memories and funny stories.

Besides spending time with her family and friends, Mom loved to sing and was a longtime member of Sweet Adelines and Christ the King church choir, both of Moorhead, MN. She enjoyed playing golf and volunteered at several hospitals throughout the years. She was a loyal Twins and Viking fan, win or lose. She loved animals, especially her beloved cats and dogs and was a longtime supporter of The Humane Society and the ASPCA.

Left to cherish her memory are her twin sister Marlene (Orris) Larson of Moorhead, MN, brother Harlan (Susan) Herfindahl of Lake Park, MN; children Kari Engebretson of Big Lake, Kevin (Suze) Engebretson, of Ottertail, Kelly (Guy) Thomas, of West Des Moines, IA, Kathleen (Kevin) Kaley, of Brandon, and Tina (Daryl) Kupitz, of Onalaska, WI; grandchildren Tori, Tara, Toni, Will, Rob, and Emma; 8 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews as well as numerous wonderful lifelong friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents Dewey and Olga Herfindahl, husband Orland Engebretson, and brother Duane Herfindahl.

Memorials may be made to The Humane Society of America, your local Humane Society or the ASPCA.

Family and close friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, May 20th at 1pm at West-Kjos Funeral Home at 900 Summit Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN. A visitation will proceed at 12pm. Interment will be at 4pm at the Lake Park Lutheran Cemetery, Lake Park, MN

We hope you will share stories, memories, and condolences in the guestbook section at www.westkjos.com. We would like to collect and read these stories at the visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the West-Kjos Funeral Home of Detroit Lakes.