Due to the recent COVID-19 concern, the Celebration of Life for Myrna Engelke will be postponed until a later date.

Myrna Engelke, age 80, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Monday, January 20, 2020 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, Mahnomen, MN.

Myrna is survived by her husband, Kenneth of Mahnomen; two daughters, Brenda (Mike) Solheim of Bemidji, MN, and Beth (Dave) Eiynck of Mahnomen; four grandchildren: Tanner (Lindsay) Solheim, Amber (Conner) McNallan, Garret Eiynck, and Gabe Eiynck; one great grandson, Tavin John Solheim; one sister, June (Hugh) Bergh of Ada, MN; and one brother, Bradley (Lori) Francis of Mahnomen.

Myrna's family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time and have requested no memorials or gifts be sent.

In Loving Memory of Myrna Engelke

Remembering Mom….

I remember the day by the lake where she told me that she thought there was something wrong with her mind. Then later that day, she said "I just hope I don't lose my numbers."
It was the journey from that point to now that has consumed my memories.
But there is so much more to our mom, sister, gramma, and wife…..

I remember how much Mom loved Dad. They worked side by side. They were best friends, business partners, and I don't remember a time they were apart. How blessed mom was to have dad walk this journey with her, holding her hand, kissing her, brushing her hair and feeding her every day. This is the love and commitment I desire for our generations to come. Dad, thank you for loving our mom. And it is ok to love again, to find joy, to travel, to rest.

Mom loved her sister, June; and brother, Brad; their families; and her son-in-laws. She adored her grandchildren.

I remember how beautiful our mom was. I remember her all dressed up in a long dress, ready for a date with dad. Her hair was so beautiful and dark.

I remember mom bringing home my best friend and baby sister who I had been waiting so long for.

I remember mom's dinners every night and coming home to homemade bread. She loved baking cookies. Her baking continues through Beth...and now her granddaughter, Amber. She loved decorating the Christmas tree, one piece of silver tinsel at a time.

I remember Mom's love for sewing. She was an amazing seamstress and her sewing lives on in our wedding gowns, made with her loving hands. I remember her hands, folding fabric and ironing. Helping my daughter learn to sew. I saw mom's hands in mine… Mom loved all crafts and her works decorate her children's and grandchildren's Christmas trees and homes.

I remember mom's love for fishing and she often shared stories of fishing with her dad. How she loved to be on the lake catching sunnies and later with our dad out for the day and fishing in Canada.

Mom loved to garden. We had a huge vegetable garden that always needed weeding when we returned from camping. She loved camping and our snowmobile trips to Twin Lakes and the mountains.

I remember mom's hugs. They were warm, tight, real.... like "coming home."

She loved working at the school with children. The children became HER children and she would talk about them often. She was so missed when she retired, but that was the start of a wonderful new season with Dad, traveling to Arizona, hiking and riding the trails in the Jeep.

Mom loved to write. I remember her at the kitchen table writing letters and cards to friends. She wrote postcards to our children every week from Arizona, until she was no longer able. We still have each precious card.

And this is what I remember and treasure the most.....I remember reading and prayers in bed, Sunday school, church bazars and pancake suppers. Mom loved her church family. Her loving pastor, Anna, prayed with us the evening mom left this world and was greeted in Heaven.

God promises to bless a thousand generations after those who love Him and oh...how Mom loved HIM! Sharing this love with us is the greatest gift mom could have given her children, grandchildren and all of the generations to come. The hope and promise that God has been preparing a home for mom, for all of us, brings us such joy knowing that mom is whole, healed and home at last in the arms of Jesus.

I remember….Mom LOVED.