Velda Englin

Velda June Amanda Englin was born August 4, 1920, at the home of her grandparents, George and Amanda Thornton, in Adrian Township, Watonwan County. The daughter of Daney and Eva (Thornton) Stark, she was baptized at home on October 17, 1920, and confirmed May 13, 1934, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Darfur. Velda attended District 40 school in Darfur and graduated from Comfrey High School. She attended Mankato Teacher's College and taught rural school District 35 and Burns School. Velda was united in marriage to Harry Englin on May 31, 1942, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She attended West Sveadahl and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches her entire life. Velda enjoyed being a housewife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, teaching Bible and Sunday School, and other church activities. She loved making people happy with her sewing, reading, and writing. Velda was a member for over 40 years of Happy Helpers Home Extension Club, and leader of Northstar 4-H Club for many years. Velda June Amanda Englin died Sunday, December 9, 2007, at the St. James Medical Center at the age of 87 years. Survivors include sons- Roger (Julie) Englin of Butterfield, Dave (Ruth) Englin of Comfrey, Bruce (Diane) Englin of Butterfield, Jim (Sue) Englin of Rapid City, SD, and Keith (Tammy) Englin of White, SD; daughters- Lily Atwel of Brainerd, Elizabeth Englin of North Mankato, and Eloise (David) Wetlesen of Colorado Springs, CO; 22 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; and 10 step-great-grandchildren; brothers- Wendell (Donna) Stark of Elysian, and Harlie (Carol) Stark of Darfur; sisters- Celesta Hagg of Marshall, Donnabelle Seavert of Royal, IA, Elaine Jorgenson of St. James, Anita Carlson of Byron, and Caroline (Ronald) Finstad of Clearwater, FL; and brothers-in-law- Carl (Mae) Englin of Lino Lakes, and Gene Rathman of Minneapolis. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband- Harry in 1996; infant daughter- Emily Jane in 1962; grandson- Ezekiel Wetlesen in 2007; sister- Betty Rathman; and several other relatives. It is by God's grace our faith is made strong to deal with all situations in our lives. We praise His name always.