Arlan David Engler, age 79 of Walnut Grove, passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Westbrook Good Samaritan Society. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 12, 2023 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, August 11 at Walnut Grove Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Interment will be in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. 

Arlan David Engler was born September 14, 1943 to David and Viola (Schuknecht) Engler in Springfield Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota. On December 10, 1960, Arlan was united in marriage to Ilene Ferguson in Heron Lake. Together they lived near Heron Lake before making their home near Walnut Grove. Arlan was a hired hand for a local area farmer and later worked as a crane operator for local construction companies. He enjoyed his hobby farm and loved gardening and his animals, especially the sheep, mini ponies and goats. Arlan was a man of few words and stood strong in his beliefs. He coached women’s softball teams and played softball on area teams for many years. Arlan was a very passionate player and loved following high school sports. He was an avid supporter of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and never missed a home game.

Arlan is survived by his children: Dawn (Steve) Lanoue of St. James; Robin Knakmuhs of Tyndall, SD, and Jody Lehnhoff of Currie (Rob Davis of Lamberton); grandchildren: Joy (David) Rueb of Tyndall, SD, Stephanie (Dan) Cain of Viborg, SD, Candy (Cory) Bjorum of Scotland, SD, Adam (Rose Aulik) Lanoue of Minneapolis, Derek (Brandie) Lanoue of Algonquin, IL, Trace (Miles McMillan) Lehnhoff of Los Angeles, CA, and Nicholas Lehnhoff of Atlanta, GA; 10 great grandchildren: Jordan, Skylor, DJ, Jaymison, Alexys, Kyliah, Britney, Patricia, Emersyn & Gemma; brother: Charles “Chuck” Engler of Heron Lake; sister-in-law: Sandy Anderson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Ilene, sons-in-law: Loren Lehnhoff and Doug LeClaire; siblings: Arbadella (Dennis) Peters, Ardelle Engler, Roger (Jane) Engler, Donald Anderson, Doris (Lyle) Anderson, and sister-in-law Julie Engler.