Kenneth G. Engelmann

Obituary

Kenneth Gilbert Engelmann was born on April 19, 1945, in Watertown, Minnesota. He was the son of Herbert and Dorothy (Wanous) Engelmann. Kenneth was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Friden’s (County Line) Church in Norwood Young America, Minnesota. He received his education in Silver Lake, Minnesota, and graduated from the Silver Lake High School with the class of 1963.

Kenneth entered military service on October 12, 1965, and served his country with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. During his time in service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Sharpshooter (Rifle M14) Badge. Kenneth, unfortunately, was exposed to Agent Orange while in Vietnam, which led to a number of health issues years later. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 1, 1967.

On November 18, 1967, Kenneth was united in marriage to Mary Kay Harpel at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Glencoe by Father John Harpel. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Julie and Joni. Kenneth and Mary Kay shared over 57 years of marriage.

Following his military service, Kenneth worked at Lester Prairie Building Service until 1969. Then he worked in the parts department at Harpel’s Bros. in Glencoe. In 1986, Ken and Mary Kay opened the General Store in Glencoe, and it remained open for 10 years. He was later employed at Medallion Cabinetry in Waconia until his retirement in 2007.

Kenneth loved to fish all year round. He enjoyed many happy times spent with his fishing buddies, especially on fishing trips to Canada. Kenneth enjoyed golfing. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially Sheepshead, with their longtime couples’ group. Kenneth was an avid sports fan, and he enjoyed watching all high school, collegiate, and professional sports. Kenneth and Mary Kay greatly enjoyed traveling; whether it was to Germany to visit their daughter and her family at the Ramstein Air Base in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Disney World, cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska, or numerous bus tours around the United States. They also spent a few winters in Destin, Florida. Time spent with family and with friends was time Kenneth cherished most.

Kenneth passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 80 years, 5 months, and 15 days. Blessed be his memory.

Kenneth is survived by his
Wife, Mary Kay Engelmann of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Julie Cox (Bill) of Foley, AL, Joni Bulau (Craig) of Glencoe, MN;
Grandchildren, Katie Cox of Foley, AL, Christopher Cox of Foley, AL, Conner Bulau of Glencoe, MN, and Amanda Schauer (Tony) of Port St. Lucie, FL;
Great-Grandchildren, Brock and Raelyn Schauer of Port St. Lucie, FL;
Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Jim Harpel (Joan) of Glencoe, MN, Marge Blasing of Crosslake, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Herbert and Dorothy Engelmann; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, William and Marie Harpel; Brother-in-law, Gayle Blasing.

The family of Kenneth Engelmann would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and kindness in this time of sorrow. And a special thanks to the Allina Hospice Team for the care Kenneth received. God Bless.