Robert M. Engelien

Robert M. “Bob” Engelien, 87 of Onalaska, WI, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the Gundersen Health System of La Crosse. He was born in Gary, IN, on March 12, 1929 to Odell and Gladys (Nygaard) Engelien. His family moved to Ettrick, WI, where he spent his childhood. Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. On May 22, 1954, he married Ardis Pingel in Bowler, WI. He attended and graduated from Palmer College and worked as a Chiropractor in Galesville where he treated every patient as a friend. Bob and Ardis had 5 daughters together and later divorced. On July 17, 1987, he married Beverly Meyer.

Bob was a devoted husband, loving father, and caring grandpa. He always saw the good in people and had an open heart to all. He was a member and leader of the Kleinsmen Band. His passion for music was endless and he found every opportunity to play.

Throughout his life he told us how blessed and thankful he was to the Lord. Bob is deeply missed, and his legacy lives on through all of the lives that he touched.

He is survived by his wife Beverly ( Erickson) Engelien of Onalaska, his five daughters; Sharon (Doug) Rethmeyer of Spring Hill, KS, Karen Engelien of Onalaska, Sue (Dan) Mahlum of Adel, IA, Mary (Paul) Leithold of Onalaska, Cindy (Todd) Johnson of Olathe, KS; two step
children, Mark (Susie Schooff) Meyer of Middleton, WI, Cindy (Chris) Zimmerman of Chatfield, MN, twenty grandchildren, one great grandson, one brother Arild (Betty) Engelien of Trempealeau, WI, and his first wife, Ardis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Beulah Elling.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 9th, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse. Pastor Erik Feig will officiate. Burial, with Military rites by the United States Army and the Struck-Klandrud American Legion Post 336 of Onalaska, where Bob had proudly served in the Honor Guard, will be in the Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call on the family Monday morning at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be given to Bob’s favorite charities.