Arlene Engel

Arlene M. Engel, age 70, of Willmar, passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer on Sunday afternoon, June 21, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Willmar Bible Church. Interment will be at Salem Covenant Cemetery near Pennock. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arlene Marie Engel was born on October 22, 1944, in Willmar, Minnesota, the daughter of Melvin and Katie (Ruter) Johnson. She grew up in Kerkhoven and graduated from Kerkhoven High School in 1962. Following high school, she was employed by Dr. Duane Hanson as a dental assistant. On April 4, 1970, Arlene was united in marriage to LeRoy Engel and they made their home in Willmar. From 1982 to 1986, they lived in Alaska and later in 1986, Arlene returned to Willmar. She was employed by Dr. Ken Pauley for 12 years as a chiropractic assistant before working at Rice Memorial Hospital as a staffing clerk, retiring in January of 2014. Arlene was a member of the Willmar Bible Church. Her hobbies included reading, traveling, watching hockey games and attending her children and grandchildren's activities.

She is survived by her four children, Brenda Engel of St. Cloud, Michael Engel of St. Cloud, Christopher Engel (and special friend, Amy) of Richmond and Jonathan Engel (and special friend, Monelia) of Andover; and four grandchildren, Whitley, Alexandra, Jordan and Christian. Also surviving is one brother, Merlin Johnson (and special friend, Betty) of Kerkhoven; one sister, Lorraine Bluhm of Annandale and her former husband, LeRoy Engel of Fairbanks, Alaska, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Sharon Ann Triden; one sister-in-law, Martha Johnson and one brother-in-law, Robert Bluhm.