Valdine Engeseth, 96

She was born in Minot, ND on October 2, 1915 to Thomas and Tilda (Holt) Haugen.  She lived most of her life in Nerstrand, where she married Elmer J. Engeseth on December 11, 1937 and they spent many years farming.  She moved to McHenry, Illinois, in July of 1989 to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.

She loved her church, reading, sewing, baking and spending time with her friends and family.  Her kindness, patience and pace of life were exemplary and an inspiration to us all. Her use of adages such as “uff da!” “For Pete’s Sake”, “Ish” and “My Word” were endearing and reminded us of Minnesota farm life.  Her wisdom and perspective were a blessing to us. She will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Joni (Dennis) Podgorski of Ringwood, IL; grandsons, Jeffrey (Diane) Flicek and Jay (Susan) Flicek of McHenry, IL; her great-grandchildren, Frank (Jennifer) Frantz of Wonder Lake, IL, Blake Frantz of Seattle, WA, Kristin (Mark) Leiker of New Port Richey, FL, Alan (Jordon) Flicek of Normal, IL, Jeffrey Flicek, Thomas Flicek, Robert Flicek and Kelsey Flicek of McHenry, IL; her great-great-grandchildren, Frank III, Kaylee, Kristen and Quinn Frantz of Wonder Lake, IL, Owen Leiker of New Port Richey, FL and Code Podgorski of Oak Park, IL; her brother, Donald (Marilyn) Haugen of Dennison;  a sister, LouAnn (James) Lervik of Northfield; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter; her husband, Elmer Engeseth; daughter, Janet V. Flicek; brothers, Russell Haugen and Herbert Haugen; her sisters, Meredith Lien, Hazel Dammer and Norma Iverson.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 404 N. Green Street, McHenry, IL.

Additional services will take place at Dennison Lutheran Church at 12 Noon on Saturday, November 19, 2011.  Interment in Valley Grove Cemetery, Nerstrand.  Visitation will be at church on Saturday one hour prior to the funeral.

Memorials are preferred to the Valley Grove Preservation Society.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.  www.northfieldfuneral.com