Wallace E. Engelke

Wallace E. Engelke, 79, of Longville, MN, died peacefully, in his home, Saturday, July 30, 2022.  

   Wally was born on December 29, 1942, in Glencoe, MN, to Laura and Adolph Engelke. One of five children, he grew up on the family farm, confirmed Lutheran in 1956, and went to Silver Lake High School.  

Wally joined the Army at the age of 17, and served from November 17, 1961, to November 15, 1963.  He trained at Fr. Carson, CO and was stationed at Ft. Jackson, SC where he tested gas masks.

   A few years after returning home, he met his first wife, Barbara Lang. They married and raised two sons in the Tonka Bay area. Wallace worked 30 years for NordicWare in St. Louis Park. Both Wallace and Barbara were members of the Tonka Bay American Legion Post #259. They divorced in 1989, but remained friends until her passing in 1991.

   Wally met his second wife, Marlene (Killian) Dorman in 1990 and were married in 1992. In 1994, they purchased the Corral Bar on Mule Lake, near Longville, MN, and ran it until 2004. They excelled at as bar owners and became well loved in the community, well after retirement. Marlene passed away, suddenly on May 7, 2018. At this time, Wally was undergoing chemotherapy for stage 4 lung cancer. His step-daughter, Judy Abraham, moved to assist with his care and stayed until his passing. Wally survived lung cancer but eventually succumbed to end stage COPD. Wally was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Evie Kruse and Marlene Winseman, both of Glencoe; and his brother, Orlin Engelke of Plato.   

   He is survived by his sister, Berniece Miller, of Eden Prairie, his sons: Craig Engelke of Storm Lake, IA and Scott Engelke of Cherokee, IA. He is also survived by two step-daughters, three step-sons; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

   He will always be remembered as a kind hearted, fun spirited, gentle man who enjoyed meeting new people. His hobbies were mainly fishing and hunting. He was a staunch Republican who waved the Trump flag, loved to watch Fox News daily and discuss his viewpoints with anyone who would listen. His Democratic friends would tell you he wouldn’t waiver, but they laughed with him and loved him anyway.

   A celebration of life will be held for Wally from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the Tonka Bay American Legion Post #295 in Shorewood, MN. The family thanks Promedica Hospice (formerly known as Heartland Hospice). Their compassion and caring helped make his journey a comfortable and peaceful one. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to: The Promedica Memorial Fund, 444 North Summit Street, Toledo, OH, 43604. 

   Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack (www.whisperingpinesnorth.com).