Donna Kathrine Engen, 84, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at her home. She was born on September 29, 1934 in Niagara, North Dakota to Kenny and Dorothy Axelvold. On June 30, 1951, Donna married the love of her life, George Engen, in Fosston, Minnesota. In 1953, they moved to Laramie, WY where they raised their three children, Joanie, Gary and Cindy.
Donna was a partner to George in all aspects of life. They owned Engen Construction, the Paint Palace, various rental properties and were a distributor for Behlen Metal Buildings. She kept the books for the businesses they owned and was active in Beta Sigma Phi, played bridge, belonged to a bowling league, was a Girl Scout leader, a room mother and a Sunday school teacher. She worked at the University of Wyoming in the Biochemistry department from 1965 to 1971.
She was energetic, intelligent, charismatic and selfless with her time and energy. Donna often hosted home-cooked meals for family and friends (and many college students over the years), and always had a pot of coffee to welcome guests. Donna was an avid sports enthusiast, and she loved to cheer for the UW Cowboys and Cowgirls, Colorado Rockies and Broncos. She also enjoyed music, cross-word puzzles, cross-stitching, bird watching and reading a good book.
With her extended family living from coast-to-coast, Donna loved long road trips and sightseeing as she ventured to visit her family. Her family was her greatest joy, and the happiness and laughter she brought to us will be incredibly missed.
She is survived by her loving husband, and true companion, of 67 years; George Engen, her three children; Joanie (John) Bean, Gary (Michael) Engen and Cindy (Tom) Lindberg, her seven grandchildren; Jennifer (Nick) Popehn, Jeffrey (Rachel) Bean, Kristen (Dan) Altschwager, Garrett (Crystal) Engen, Erik Engen, Crystal (Jack) Gillette, and Angela (Troy) Jolma, and 22 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Judith Dunrud, cousins Jerry Clark (Jayne) and Arlene Bakke, sister-in-law Carol Sorensen, brother-in-law Ralph Engen (Julie) and many nieces and nephews.
Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home is in care of the cremation. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Dear Joanie and family:. I was reading the Casper paper the other day and noticed your mom's obituary. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I have many pleasant memories of your mom when we were growing up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family throughout this difficult time. May the blessings of Christmas be with you all. Patti and Ron Kopriva
Our deepest sympathy to the Engen Family, especially to George. This is terrible loss. May God give you strength.
I remember many times being at George and Donna's house with my friend, Jennifer. I am truly saddened to hear of her passing, my sincerest condolences.
Dear Engen family, I’m so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She and George have been such a dear couple. I just greeted them at church a week or two ago. Donna was always so happy to tell me about when they were going to see or had seen Jennifer and Jeffrey, who I taught at UW. God’s peace to you all.
Just heard from friends about the passing of Donna and I wanted to reach out to the Engen family with my heartfelt sympathy. Know you'll have great memories to treasure, and that she'll be greatly missed.
To the Engen Family, Donna was wonderful and kind! It was truly a joy to visit with her and George over coffee in her kitchen and to hear her gently laugh as George entertained us with stories. Thank you, Donna. Blessings to George, Gary and the whole family.
What a JOY Donna was‼️? Holding you all in our hearts❤️ In love and peace, Jerry and Jayne
Donna was an amazing woman. She was such a delight and she will be missed. We discussed books at length last Christmas Day. My condolences to the entire family.
I didn't know Donna, but I work with her granddaughter, Jennifer, and know how close they were. Jenn, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Engen family, We were so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. Mom considered her one of her best friends. I remember my parents spending many happy outing with George and Donna. What a wonderful time they had. Mom shared some stories of she and Donna in Las Vegas and how much she enjoying having Donna as a friend. Wonderful memories. Peace be with your family Marcia Gaines ( John and Bobbie Gaines)
Our hearts are broken. What a wonderful, loving, incredibly special friend Donna has been to us. We hope you find comfort in the warm memories you made. May Out Heavenly Father Bless your family and wrap you in his comforting arms.
We are so saddened to hear of Mrs. Engen's passing. A friend shared with us that "death creates hurt that no one can heal but love creates memories no one can steal." May the memories of this wonderful lady give you comfort and peace in the days to come. Gayle Lord and Peggy Meining
Dear Engen family, I remember Donna as a generous, gracious woman. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. With love, Jeanie Shipman