Katherine Engel

Katherine Jean (Thomas) Engel, age 86, of Grand Forks, ND passed away December 23, 2019.  She was born on August 15, 1933 in Thief River Falls, MN to Rose and James Thomas.

After growing up in Thief River Falls, MN, Katherine studied nursing at St. Cloud State.  She finished her career at the University of North Dakota on the faculty of the College of Nursing.

Katherine and Dean Engel were wed in 1957, beginning their life of 61 years together.  After living in St. Paul, MN and Cleveland, OH, they settled in Grand Forks, ND.  There they raised four sons and one daughter in their home on Lincoln Drive, working to instill in them a love of music, strong character, and appreciation of life well-lived.

Katherine was a member of United Lutheran Church, active in the American Legion Auxiliary, and volunteered for many years as the “Picture Lady” at Lincoln Elementary School.  Devoted parents of five, she and husband Dean attended every band concert, swim meet, church and school event for each of their children.  Katherine and Dean were like second parents to many, opening their home and lake cabin to all for countless holiday meals.  Katherine loved reading and music, was an avid birdwatcher, and spent much of her time while resident at Valley Senior Living cheering the Twins and Packers on to victory.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, and beloved husband Dean.

She is survived by sons Chris, Scott, Paul, and Peter (Nancy) Engel, and daughter Elizabeth (Andrey) Krywonos.  Also surviving are grandchildren Caroline, Nicholas, and Maxim Krywonos.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30AM, Friday, January 10 at Valley Senior Living, 4000 24^th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND.  Visitation will precede the service at 10:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcome in her name to the Dr. Dean C. Engel Scholarship Endowment, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, UND Foundation, Grand Forks, ND  58202.