James Engen

James Arthur Engen was born January 6, 1931, to Arthur and Mabel (Burreson) on the farm south of Lamberton, MN. He was born 10 minutes after his twin sister.

He was a lifetime member of Highwater Lutheran Church and was baptized March 8, 1931 and Confirmed June 17, 1945. He also married his life long companion there, LuEtta Mattison on December 18,1954. Together they raised two children, Margie and Brian, on their family farm until moving into Lamberton in 2000. For many years, he and LuEtta served as janitors for the Highwater Lutheran Church. Along with being a devoted Christian, he traveled to Mississippi for mission work and enjoyed the fellowship of the church.

Farming was his passion as he raised cattle and hogs and grain farmed until his retirement. He continually helped on the farm until his later years. Jim loved to reminisce about his start in farming with horses and was amazed by - even eager to learn about today's technology. Jim loved his toy tractor collection. He made sure to check out what was going on at Meadowland and the area car and implement dealerships regularly. Jim served on the Highwater Township Board.

Jim and LuEtta enjoyed traveling together with family and friends, playing cards and attending many social functions. He was so proud of his grandsons and attended many of their activities.  After moving into town, he enjoyed getting together with his buddies for coffee and cookies. In December of 2022, he became a resident of Valleyview Manor Care Center in Lamberton. On April 11, 2024, he passed away at the age of 93.

He is survived by his daughter, Margie (Marv) Fuerstenberg of Luverne; son, Brian (Connie) Engen of Lamberton; grandchildren, Nick (Tina) Stehlik, Nate Stehlik, Cory (Michelle) Engen, Casey Engen (special friend Sarah Striegel) and Carter Engen; brothers-in-law, Arlin (Peggy) Mattison and Dennis Mattison, sister-in-law, Janet (Jerry) Hochstein, along with many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, LuEtta Engen; parents, Arthur and Mabel Engen; mother and father-in-law, Minnerd and Leona Mattison; brother, Arlowe (Audria) Engen; twin sister, Joyce (George) Fisher; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Myron (Lois) Mattison, Margie Mattison and David Nerhus.