Eldor “Butch” Engen, 80 of Newfolden, MN passed away suddenly on Friday, April 10, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the service to celebrate Butch’s life at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN with Russ Steer officiating. Burial will be at Viking Cemetery, Viking, MN.

Eldor Lowell Engen Jr. was born September 21, 1945, in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Eldor Sr. and Pearl (Waldron) Engen. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN. Butch attended school in Newfolden graduating with the class of 1963.

On March 7, 1964, Butch was united in marriage to Dorothy Garthus at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Holt, MN. To this union three sons were born, Lowell, Donald and Steve.

Butch worked as a farm laborer and in 1966 started working as a carpenter. In September of 1972, he started Engen Construction and worked until he retired. Then he did small jobs in the Community Homes in Newfolden.

Along with his construction company, he enjoyed raising Holstein calves for many years for sales and providing beef for family and friends.

On August 7, 1992, Butch was united in marriage to Renette (Ulrich) Leas in Sisseton, SD. They continued to live on the Engen Farm near Newfolden.

Butch enjoyed drinking coffee, visiting with family and friends at the Co-op and Senior Meals. When coffee was finished you definitely knew Butch’s opinion. He liked going to the sales barn and going for drives in the country.

Survivors include his loving wife of 33 years, Renette of Newfolden; sons, Lowell (Jenny) Engen, Donald (Connie) Engen, Steve Engen; grandchildren, Luca, Zada, Brody, Ali, Carrie (David), Justin (Katie); great-grandchildren, Cameron, Ava, Aria; Renette’s sons, Chad Lenox, Cary Leas, Shawn (Chelsea) Leas, Michael (Alison) Leas; Renette’s grandchildren, Mackenzie, Mya, Madelyn; Butch’s siblings, Robert “Bob” (Marlo) Engen, Laurie (Wayne) Stromgren, William “Bill” (Tanna) Engen, Mark (Jeanine) Engen, Carolyn Lundquist, Brad “Sam” Engen, Jolene (Steve) Grove, Daniel (Nancy) Engen; sister-in-law, Carol Garthus; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Judy Sorter; sister-in-law, Connie Engen; Renette’s granddaughter, Aron Leas.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com