Myron Engel

Myron George Engel, 89, of Saint James, died June 2, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Saint James.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Augustana Lutheran Church in Saint James with visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Saint James. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

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Myron was born on April 8, 1937 in St. James, MN to Alfred and Marie (Niemeier) Engel. He was the youngest of 4, following Evelyn, Bernice and Harriet. He attended South Branch Parochial School through 8th grade, then attended St. James High School, graduating in 1955. Myron participated in various activities. He was an excellent hurdler, setting the St. James School record in the 120 yard high hurdles at the 1955 Minnesota State Track Meet, a record that stood until 1981, when it was converted to meters. He then enlisted in the US Army after Graduation. He was stationed in Alaska for 2 years before being Honorably Discharged in 1957.

On October 11, 1958, Myron was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Sally Brown. They moved to the Engel farmstead in South Branch shortly after they were married. To this union they were blessed with two children-Terry and Patty. Myron spent many years farming with his son Terry, where they raised corn, beans and pigs. Myron retired from farming in 2003, after almost 50 years. While farming Myron was on the Watonwan County Farm Service CO-OP Board and the Watonwan County Fair Board.

Things did not slow down after Myron and Sally moved into town. Myron started driving the TMT (Take Me There) bus in St. James as well as taking Veterans to the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis for 14 years. He won the Minnesota State Bus Rodeo in 2003, an award he was very proud of. Myron was a member of the American Legion Post 33 in St. James, where he was part of the Honor Guard. He took pride in being part of the presentations for ceremonies and funeral honors. While on a trip to Mount Rushmore, he was honored to help raise the flag at the lighting ceremony. Myron and Sally loved to spend time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Summers were spent fishing at Garfield Lake in northern Minnesota, camping at Dawson’s in Fairmont, eating at the Channel Inn, and feeding the ducks. They enjoyed snowmobiling in the winter time, taking many trips to Northern Minnesota, the Black Hills and Yellowstone. He also took many solo trips on his Honda Goldwing. Myron and Sally traveled many miles to attend their grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s music concerts, plays, sporting events and special occasions.

Myron was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in South Branch, then joined Augustana Lutheran Church when they moved into St. James. Although he could not read music, Myron was an excellent singer. He sang for over 60 years in different church choirs, weddings, and funerals.

Myron will be missed by many. He is survived by his children, Terry (Heidi) of St. James and Patty (Dale) of Harrisburg, SD; 7 grandchildren, Hilary (Jason), Andrea (Luke), Margo (Andrew), Taylor (Talia), Connor (Lesley), Ryan (Amy), and Ross (Sarina); 10 great-grandchildren, Mavrick, Paisley, Hattie, Blake, Nora, Dryden, Henry, Adley, Maryn, and Beaudyn; sister, Harriet Wright of University Place, WA; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sally; parents, Alfred and Marie; sisters, Bernice (Warren) Quick and Evelyn (Walter) Lupke; brother-in-law, Thomas Wright; nephew, Keith Wright; and in-laws, Clarence and Maude Brown.