Earl Joseph Engesser age 96 of Tracy passed away Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Prairie View Senior Living. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 10 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church. Burial is in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Earl Joseph Engesser was born April 26, 1918 to P.W. and Pearl (Olson) Engesser in Garvin, Minnesota. He worked in a garage in Garvin with his father until he enlisted in the Army on February 26, 1942. Earl served in the Italian and Sicilian actions. He received the Purple Heart and two Bronze Campaign stars. Earl also served in the African Theatre and was honorably discharged on October 17, 1945. Earl lived at home with his parents until he moved to Tracy in 1951. Earl and Elizabeth Ann Byrne were married on August 6, 1951 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The couple had three children. He joined the Tracy Fire Department in 1952 and retired in 1973. Earl served as chief for two years. He worked for Vern Hemmingson as an auto mechanic for six years, for Ruthenbeck for three years, and for Dick Whiting in his ready mix plant for six years. Earl also worked for District 417 as a school bus driver and bus mechanic, for Tri-County, and the city of Tracy as custodian of the municipal building for 16 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Tracy VFW and American Legion. Earl enjoyed riding motorcycles, rollerskating, camping, dancing, and country and 50’s music. He loved spending time with his family and going to county fairs.
Earl is survived by his wife Betty of Tracy; children: Denise (Joseph) Chavez of Grants, NM, Dennis (Paula) of Worthington, and Darcy Jo (Benton) Johnson of Marshall; 5 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren with two due in 2015; brother Gerald “Jerry” Engesser of Tracy; sisters Verna Swift and Shirley Martin both of Balaton; sister-in-law Betty Engesser of Tracy; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold “Whitey”, sister Vesta Almhjeld, and brothers-in-law John Martin, Raymond Swift, and Clayton Almhjeld.
Our condolences to the Engesser Family!!
Earl was a man of many “trades!” He was knowledgeable in them, could instruct others through his knowledge and was a tireless worker. He was a gentleman and a person that could be depended upon in all circumstances. His presence in Tracy and the community, has been an asset for many years.
Sincerely,
Betty & Dave Abernethy
Dear Betty, Darcy Jo, Denise, and Dennis,
Our sincere condolences for the loss Earl. We regret not keeping in touch with all of you in the last forty years . We remember Earl as a caring person with concern for all. During the tornado of 1968 we drove off with the family, when it was over he didn’t see us around and became concerned for all of us (even though he just lost his entire house) and came to look for us in our house, we hadn’t returned yet, when we did he was very happy and relieved, That goes to show what kind of a person he was. We didn’t know about his military service during WWII, for that alone we can hold him high esteem, We know that he is in the Lords Hands now. We planned to be at his funeral today however do to conflicting circumstances we couldn’t make it.
Again our sincere Sympathy
Ray and Marlys Johnson