Donald Engelstad, 77, died Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM, Monday, July 17, 2006 at St. Bernards Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Father Tim McGee officiating. Burial will be at St. Bernards Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be 5 " 7 PM, Sunday, July 16, 2006 at St. Bernards Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, MN with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to service at the church, Monday.

Donald Lee Engelstad was born January 18, 1929 at Mercy Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Ole Engelstad and Frances (Holzknecht) Engelstad. He was baptized January 27, 1929 at St. Bernards Catholic Church. He attended St. Bernards School, grades 1-8 and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947. Don entered into service with the United States Air Force on September 22, 1948. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma and was honorably discharged on August 11, 1952.

On May 15, 1954, Donald was united in marriage to Joan DuChamp. Don was a husband, companion and beloved soul mate to Joan for 52 years. The love they shared and witnessed in their daily lives was an inspiration to their children and close friends. Their love was truly unforgettable.

He was an amazing father who put his family first, a man who let his children see his love and hear his pride. He led with strong, loving footsteps, walking with faith in the Lord and love for his family. He dearly loved his 13 grandchildren, sharing with them his heart, wisdom and joy of life.

He was a friend to count on and believe in, to listen to and learn from. His ties of friendship and family were deeply rooted in the Engelstad legacy of his first cousins.

Don was an energetic, enthusiastic man who loved life and all people he met along the way. Don and Joan thoroughly enjoyed their winter adventures to Las Vegas and the friends they met along the way. He was passionate about tennis and loved most sports, especially when his children or grandchildren were involved. Don was an avid photographer, documenting his legacy. He treasured his hunting experiences with his sons and special friends. Don enjoyed the outdoors, sunshine and his newfound enjoyment of gardening with his wife in his retirement.

He worked at the Soo Line for all of his adult life, enjoying retirement in 1988. He was forever a rail man, living by clock time!

Each day as his six children go out into the world, they will forever take with them all the wisdom and strength their daddy gave to them daily.

He was a member at St. Bernards Church and also a member of the American Legion.

Don is survived by wife, Joan, Thief River Falls, MN; children and grandchildren, Timothy Engelstad, wife, LeAnn, children: Casey, Jacob and Logan, Thief River Falls, MN; Scott Engelstad, wife, Laura, children: Peder and Linnea, Bemidji, MN; Pamela Anderson, husband, Galen, children: Pvt. Gavin, Megan, Nolan and Colin, Roseau, MN; MaryFran Twistol, husband, Randy, children: Francine and Samuel, Thief River Falls, MN; Richard Jon Engelstad, wife, Diane, Pine City, MN; Dawn Marie Penning, husband, David, children: Joseph and Kyja Marie, Park Rapids, MN; surviving extended family: Wes Groslie, brother-in-law, Fridley, MN; Sam and Ione (DuChamp) Siegel, Golden Valley, MN; Duane and Peg DuChamp, Lake, MI; Jack and Naida (DuChamp) Pederson, St. Cloud, MN; Ardie and Dar DuChamp, Thief River Falls, MN; Mark and Judy DuChamp, Thief River Falls, MN; and 23 loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Frances Engelstad; sister Cleo Mae Groslie; one niece and one nephew.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
ORGANIST: Kristie LaSalle
CANTOR: Shelly Burkel
GIFT BEARERS: Dons Grandchildren
SPECIAL MUSIC: Linnea and Laura Engelstad
READER: Scott Engelstad
CASKETBEARERS: Tim Engelstad, Scott Engelstad, Richard Engelstad, Arnie Engelstad, Kim Engelstad and Murray Engelstad
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Engelstad First Cousins, Soo Line Rails and Class of 1947
MILITARY HONORS: Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post #117 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793