Gary LaVern Engen

Gary LaVern Engen, age 70, of Eleva, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. He was born January 21, 1953 in Eau Claire, WI, son of LaVern and Mavis (Skoug) Engen. Gary graduated from Eleva-Strum High School in 1971. 

 On May 16, 1975, Gary married Annette Shipman. They lived their entire lives in Eleva, where he owned and operated Engen’s Garage and Auto Sales for over 50 years. Gary was a 2nd generation owner. 

He was an avid collector of the unique. He enjoyed going to the casino, auctions, car shows, swap meets and flea markets. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. 

Gary was very active in the community, serving on the Village board, Eleva Commerical Club, and also served as president of the Eleva Housing Inc. He was a member of the Eleva Fire Department for 27 years and also served for 4 years as one of the original Eleva First Responders. He was a member of the Eleva Lutheran Church and served on the church board.  

 He is survived by his son, Dean (Melissa Jackson) Koxlien; daughter, Tena (Jeff) Danovsky; three grandsons, Benjamin (Rachel), Samuel (Nicole), and Brian (Amanda); two granddaughters, Karla (Kevin) and Kari (Brandon); eight great-grandchildren, Aiden, Gavin, Nolan, Logan, Lincoln, Everly, Teagan, and Peyton; sister, Marilyn (James) Hymen; brother, Rick (Annette Larson) Engen; special friend, Cynthia Waters; and many other relatives and friends. 

  He was preceded in death by his wife Annette in 2019, parents LaVern and Mavis Engen, and in-laws Sam and Rose Shipman. 

The family would like to thank Mayo Health and Hospice for their care and support.

Funeral services for Gary will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 31, 2023 at Eleva Lutheran Church with Pastor Karen Ressel officiating. Burial will follow at Eleva Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home, Eleva and again at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be shared at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Eleva Fire Department, Eleva Lutheran Church, or the Children’s Heart Foundation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary LaVern Engen, please visit our floral store.