Obituary of Elmer E. Engelbert, Jr.

Gene passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at the age of 91. Gene was devoted to his family, a business leader and an avid golfer. He was known for his wry humor and keen observations on life. Gene was born July 5, 1922 in Saint Paul, and was forever a dedicated citizen of his city. He attended U High and the University of Minnesota. Upon an accelerated graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country in WWII as a supply officer in the Philippines. Gene returned home to Minnesota where he became a fourth generation family employee of St. Paul Book and Stationery Co. In 1968, he became president of St. Paul Book and Stationery upon the death of his father. Started in 1851, Gene led the 153 year old business through a dynamic period that saw the company expand to a new headquarters in Arden Hills and the creation of 11 retail stores throughout the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin. Gene was a diligent steward of this business and hundreds of employees benefitted from his leadership. A passionate golfer, he chalked up 5 holes in one! Gene played to a single digit handicap for five decades during his winter seasons in Arizona and on precious trips to seaside links in Scotland. He was a devoted season ticket holder for Gopher football and basketball for nearly his entire life. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, E.E. Engelbert, Sr. and Carol Slocum Engelbert, sisters Aleeta Pierce (and her surviving husband Pete), sister Dme Burton( Conway). Beloved wife Sara, of almost 60 years, passed away in November of 2012 and her absence was deeply felt by the entire family. He is survived by daughters Diane Gunson, Kathie Weigel (Skip), and their daughter Tracie, Linda Lane (Joe), and their children Christo and Donchi, Teri Mahar (Charlie), and their children Meghan, Winston, Anna and Sandy, Laura Beal (Eric), and their children, Josh and Whitney, and son Eric, and his daughter Erica. Sister-in-law Marilyn Johannsen and her husband Don have been wonderfully close family for over 60 years. There are 7 precious great grandchildren, who lit up his world, and many nieces and nephews. Memorials preferred to the Evans Scholar Foundation (checks to Evans Scholar Foundation, One Briar Road, Golf, Illinois 60029-0301, in memo line please note, "Engelbert Memorial," or the University of Minnesota Athletic Foundation (checks to University of Minnesota, in memo line please note "Golden Gopher Fund, Engelbert Memorial", 516 15th Ave SE, Suite 275, Bierman Field. Minneapolis, MN 55455). Memorial Service, Monday, March 24th, House of Hope Presbyterian Church, Saint Paul (Summit at Avon), at 1 p.m. Reception to follow in the Kirk Parlor.