Garen Engquist, age 73, of Isanti died January 8, 2018 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. Memorial service at 11:00 AM Friday, January 19, 2018 at Elim Lutheran Church 20971 Olinda Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073.
Garen Wallace Engquist, 73, of Isanti went to be with the Lord after a 4 year battle with Leukemia. Garen was raised in Scandia, MN and a graduate from Forest Lake High School. Being an avid sports fan, he was a manager/score keeper for the Scandia Men’s Fast pitch team, coach of the traveling girls fast pitch, spectator at Forest Lake High School basketball games, and loved watching the MN Twins and Gopher Basketball on TV. Garen worked for Production Aids who then turned into Triangle Industries from the time he was 18 until he retired at 68. While living in Wyoming, MN he was a volunteer Firefighter for 16 years. Garen had a passion for anything that had to do with the Civil War and Wild West history. He took part in Civil War reenactments and was a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War group. After moving to Isanti, he presented at the North Branch and Cambridge Middle Schools about the Civil War while in full uniform. After being diagnosed and taking chemo Garen was able to cross off everything on his bucket list with his most beloved wife Marge.
Garen is survived by his wife Marge, children JoAnne Lundeen (Joe), Lynda Ellingson (Jeremy), John Engquist (Teri), Robyn Brandt (Greg), step daughter Denise Long (Mike), step son Dennis, 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and many cousins. Garen was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Phyllis Engquist, brother Roger, grandson’s Joesoph and Addam, great grandson Marshall, along with many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Garen will always be remembered for his strong faith, work ethic, his unwavering love, selflessness, quick wit, and compassion for his family and friends.
Our thoughts are with the family at this hard time we only knew Garen & Marge about 2 years had some dinners and lunches out.
Each time was spent with fun and Laughter we will miss Garen very much From what we learned from him is he Loved his children and Grandchildren with his whole being and seemed to enjoy taking part in all of there lifes.
Marge & family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are for comfort and peace as you walk this difficult road. Garen was a special man with much wisdom, great intellect and a great subtle sense of humor. I treasure the times I was able to travel with the two of you on group trips. Garen was always such an active participant and added much to the group activities. Blessings, love and prayers.