Aleck Englund, age 89,of Cambridge died October 16, 2010 at GracePointe Crossing Gables East. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 22nd at Long Lake Lutheran Church with Rev. Matt Flom officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Thursday, October 21st at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel and also one hour prior to the funeral Friday at the church. Interment will be in Long Lake Community Cemetery.
Aleck was born May 1, 1921 in Isanti County, Minnesota, to Peter and Edna (Chilstrom) Englund. He grew up on the family farm and attended Long Lake country school. Later, Aleck worked at the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Camp in Bena, MN for two years. He married Harriet Chilman in 1942 and moved to St. Paul Park, where he worked at the Erickson Refining Co. He was then inducted into the U.S. Army in October 1942 and served in World War II. Aleck trained as a tank crewman in the 781st tank battalion at various stateside locations before shipping out to France in October 1944. Aleck participated in combat operations in France and Germany until the war ended in May 1945. He was discharged in October 1945 and returned home to his family and to his job at the oil refinery in St. Paul Park. Together, Aleck and Harriet raised seven children. He retired in 1981 and moved to Cambridge where he enjoyed snowmobiling, cutting wood, playing cards, playing harmonica in his family band, and spending time with family and friends.
Aleck John Englund died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at GracePointe Crossing Gables East in Cambridge at the age of 89 years, 5 months and 15 days. He is preceded in death by his parents; two infant siblings; sister, Minnie Anderson; brothers: Albert, Wilfred, Clarence, Clifford, Arnold, Alton, Carl, and Richard; and two infant great-grandchildren.
Aleck is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 68 years, Harriet; children: Sharon (Dennis) Stanius, Marlene (Rick) Mitchell, Dale (Gerry) Englund, Dean (Jackie) Englund, Gloria (Jarold) Hempler, Renee (Tim) Merkouris, and Brenda (Keith) Plaisance; 30 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; brothers: Ernest (Betty) Englund and Kenneth (Jean) Englund; sisters-in-law: Fern Englund and Kareen Englund; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.