Gary Engebretson, 66, Minot, died Tuesday, June 30, 2009, in a Minot hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary L. Engebretson was born Nov. 5, 1942, a son of Edwin and Elizabeth (Corwin) Engebretson in Spring Lake Township of Ward County. He was raised and educated in the Douglas area and graduated from Douglas High School in 1960.

He then attended Minot State College, where he received a B.S. in English education in 1964. He later attended North Dakota State University, where he received a master’s degree in secondary administration.

He began his teaching career in Karlsruhe and then taught in McGregor, when he met and married Mary Ann Christopherson. They were married Dec. 31, 1967, in Wildrose and their home was in McGregor until he was drafted into the United States Army on Oct. 15, 1968.

He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He and Mary Ann were stationed in Germany. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He honorably discharged on March 30, 1970.   Following his honorable discharge, they moved to Medicine Lake, Mont., where he accepted a teaching position. He then accepted a position as assistant principal in Rugby and served as superintendent of schools in Ray, Killdeer and Rolla. He retired in 2005.

In his retirement, he found his perfect country home with a few acres and a creek in rural Minot. He enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors and hunting, especially with his hunting dog, Thor. He also enjoyed attending the local sporting events. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Gary was a member of the Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva, and had been actively involved with several educational and community associations.

His loving family includes his  wife of 41 years, Mary Ann, Minot; children, Brent (Lorinda) Engebretson, Velva, Dan Engebretson, Ray and Andrea (Cory) Rolstad, West Fargo; grandchildren, Kylie, Brady and Blake Engebretson and Jaxon and Addison Rolstad; mother, Elizabeth Ellingson, Minot; brother, Edwin Jr. (Loretta) Engebretson, Willison; sister, Mary Ann (Neil) Narum, Douglas and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Edwin and stepfather, Ben Ellingson.

His funeral is Friday, July 3, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva, with cremation to follow.

Visitation is Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.  

A prayer service is Thursday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva, Trinity CancerCare, Anne Carlsen Center for Children, Jamestown, or the donor’s choice.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at www.thompsonlarson.com.