Joan Engen

Joan (Grotte) Engen passed away peacefully at the Prairie Rose Unit in Northwood, ND on Feb. 6, 2012, at the age of 89, from complications of Alzheimer's. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Northwood Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the Bilden Funeral Home, Northwood, ND. Burial in the Northwood Cemetery.
She was born June 7, 1922, to Leonard and Gyda (Land) Grotte on the Grotte farm in Loretta Township. The family moved to Montana for some years, then back to Northwood again where her father became manager and eventually owner of the Farmer's Store. Joan and her husband Allen would come to own it in later years. Joan was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and graduated from Northwood High School and Interstate Business College in Fargo. She married Allen Engen, also of Northwood, in Port Angeles, Washington in 1942, while Allen was serving in the Navy. Following the war they made their home in Northwood. Joan worked at Northwood State Bank. In 1952 they purchased the Farmer's Store, which then became Engen's Market. They worked side by side until they retired in 1985, when their son Tom and wife Jane purchased the store.
She was a member of Northwood Evangelical Lutheran Church and was in the church choir for many years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 61 years and a member of the Eastern Star Organization
Joan played the piano since the age of 4. Even with her illness, she played the piano by ear up until a year ago, and brought joy to all for whom she played. She especially loved it when people sang along with her. She was an excellent Mother, supportive and positive about anything her children ever did. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren and spent time with them whenever she could. Along with spending time with family, she enjoyed golfing with Allen, and many vacations were taken to see family and friends.
Joan had many good friends throughout her life, and continued her sweet personality through her illness...winning the hearts of all that met her and cared for her. She will always be the "Sunshine" in our hearts.
She is survived by her children Dawn(Walter) Webb of Brandon, SD, Dave (Judy) Engen of Eden Prairie, MN, Tom(Jane)Engen of Northwood, and Laurel(Brian) Johnson, Hatton, ND; 10 Grandchildren; 11 Great Grandchildren; and siblings Gwen Saari of Corvallis, OR, Rolly(Diana) Grotte of White Salmon, WA, and Arlene(Jim) Brunton of Helena, MT. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who were all very special to her.
Preceding her in death was her husband: Allen; infant son: Mitchell; and her parents.