Funeral Services for Vernon George Engelkes, age 83, of rural Rushmore, were held Friday, October 13, 2017 at Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington, Mn., officiated by Pastor Anthony Almodovar. Burial was in the Sunset Rest Cememtery, Rushmore, MN. Vernon died Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Dewald Township, near Rushmore, after checking on his cattle.
Vernon was born December 29, 1933, to Jurgen and Anna (Oltmans) Engelkes. Vernon was born and raised on the family farm just west of Rushmore, MN. He attended grade school in Rushmore and graduated from Worthington High School. Vernon married Beverly Redenius in June of 1962. They raised four children, Barb, Paul, Mark & Theresa. The couple moved and raised their family across the section from Vernon’s family farm. They later divorced. Vernon continued to farm and raise cattle. He loved going hunting with his pet pigeon, Rocco. Vernon’s favorite part of farming was the cattle. He would often introduce himself as “Vernon is the name, cattle is the game”. Later in life, he took the time to enjoy fishing with his brother. He also loved driving around in his Dodge to visit and share stories! You could find him out on his 4-wheeler looking at the crops or cattle. In the early 1980’s, he became an honorary Kentucky Colonel.
Vernon is survived by his four children, Barbara (Glen) Edmundson, Tyler, MN; Paul (Amber) Engelkes, rural Rushmore, MN; Mark (Candya) Engelkes, rural Rushmore, MN; and Theresa Engelkes, Worthington, MN; ten grandchildren, Tyler (Amanda) Engelkes, Nathaniel (Hannah) Engelkes, Preston (Dianna) Engelkes, Anthony Lumsden, Ethan Engelkes, Dalton (Sarah) Engelkes, Katanna Biesemeier, Autumn Engelkes, Darby (Lucky) Biesemeier and Gavin Engelkes; ten great grandchildren; and a brother, Stanley (LaDon Gruis) Engelkes, Adrian, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Morgan & Wyatt Engelkes; a sister, Frances Backus; two brothers, Jerry (Joyce) and Lloyd Engelkes; sister-in-law, Marge Engelkes; and a niece, Cheryl.
To view an online obituary please visit dingmannandsons.com
