Carol Engen, age 79, of Gary, MN, died Tuesday, February 27, 2018, in her home. Carol Joan Ruud was born on January 4, 1939 to Henry and Annie (Kjeldson) Ruud in Wild Rice Township. As one of 11 children, Carol's love and appreciation for family started early in life. She attended school and graduated from Twin Valley High School with the Class of 1956. As an independent young woman, Carol then moved to Fargo where she worked various jobs. After falling in love with Donald Engen, the couple was united in marriage on July 29, 1957 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. The couple lived in the Iron Range for a time before moving back to Gary in 1962. Carol began working for the Gary State Bank in 1966 where she continued her career until 2002. Being as organized and fiscally minded as she was, Carol served as the treasurer and bookkeeper for many organizations. She also worked as an auctioneer clerk for many years. Carol and Don spent a lot of time traveling to National parks, Wyoming to see family, Lake of the Woods, and to their lake place on Tulaby Lake where they spent countless hours fishing. She loved the outdoors, the Minnesota seasons, going for drives, and simply watching the wildlife. Some of her most treasured times were 4-wheeling with dear friends and the many years of attending Rollag. After Donald's death in 2006, Carol remained very active in the Gary Community. She was devoted to the Gary Lutheran Church, where she was involved with the Ladies Aide, Thrivent, and the quilters. Sewing was evident throughout Carol's life but over the years she learned many new skills to keep her hands busy, including latch hook, crocheting, knitting, macramé and quilting. More recently, she filled her hours with coloring artwork and crossword puzzles. Carol had so many dear family and friends that were close to her heart. She also cherished the friendships and fun times she had with her Red Hat Club. She had a constant sparkle in her eye and zest for all things bright and beautiful, which was a gift Carol shared with all who knew and loved her. Carol is survived by her son, Kerby Engen of Fargo, ND; her brother-in-law, Leonard (Linda) Engen of Gary; 2 sister in laws, Ilene Ruud and Joyce Ruud; nieces and nephews, Buck Engen, Kim Knutson, Stacy Gunderson, Bev Pederson, Barb Young, Bets Werpy, Bindy Thronson, Brad Werpy, Joan Bennett, Ginny Giesen, Ricky Ruud, Jerry Ruud, Debbie Bayer, Diane Miller, Vicki Frazier, Douglas Ruud, Donelle Rodmyre, Randi Charleston, Kelly Ruud, Kevin Ruud, Robin Aamot, Elizabeth Seckinger, Donald Seckinger, Michael Seckinger, Jeffrey Seckinger, Janet Seckinger, Jon Seckinger, Robert Seckinger, Michael Ruud, and Rebecca Ruud; and many other extended family members. She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; 10 siblings, Morris, Doris, Lula, Harding, Donald, Edgar, Abner, Dorothy, Hazelann, and Robert; and her niece, Shelly. Visitation will be Thursday, March 1, 2018 at the Anderson Family Funeral Home, Twin Valley from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM in the Gary Lutheran Church. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Interment will take place at St. Petri Cemetery, Gary.