Robert (Bob) James Engen
August 9, 1939 – August 2, 2017
Robert James Engen, 77, of Quincy, Wash. passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. Robert was born on August 9, 1939 in East Fairview, N.D., the oldest of five children, to Alf and Phyllis (Vickers) Engen. He was born and raised in the same home, which was later moved to Montana where he attended Fairview High School. He was baptized and confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church. At the age of 15, he worked on the Great Northern Railroad in Sidney, Mont. At this time he was already dating his one and only true love, Glenda Leibelt, whom he met at a Boy Scout meeting when she picked up her brother. They later married on Aug. 29, 1959 at the Zion Lutheran Church and continued their lifetime for the next 57 years.
After Robert and Glenda got married, they moved to Washington, where Robert began working at Joe Niderost Dehy plant and their first child Robin was born. In April of 1961, Robert was called to serve the United States at the missile silos in South Dakota. During this time, their second child Bobbie Jo was born. A few years later, they moved back to Washington, where he began his career working as a mechanic. In March 1964, Robert and Glenda started the American Dream of having their own business, a service station, which later they were able to purchase. While they were living the dream, Lucinda (Cindy) was born. Throughout his years, Robert was a proud member of the Moose Lodge, Lions, VFW, Eagles, American Legion and Elks, where he held several officer positions.
Robert and Glenda enjoyed dancing, boating, snowmobiling, playing cards/dice and gambling, but most of all being with family and friends. Their three beautiful girls Robin, Bobbie Jo, and Cindy, who he always said took after their mother, have continued their biggest dream – extending the family. Their family, both immediate and extended, is most important in their lives.
Robert is survived by his wife, Glenda of Quincy, Wash.; his three daughters Robin Herring (Dan) of Moses Lake, Wash., Bobbie Jo Haggard (Mike) of Walla Walla, Wash. and Lucinda Raap (Michael) of Kent, Wash.; six grandchildren Travis Herring, Amanda Stredwick, Alexis Haggard, Bryanna Raap, Makayla Raap, and Autymn Raap; five great-grandchildren Addyson, Payton, Mayson, Jaxtyn and Cheyenne with 1 more, Mackenzie, on the way and three sisters Evelyn Falkenhagen of Great Falls, Mont., Mary Vollum of Saco, Mont. and Elsie Lorenz of Great Falls, Mont. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Harold Engen.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, 10 a.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 716 Third Ave. SE, Quincy, Wash., with a concluding service to follow in the Quincy Valley Cemetery. A reception will follow services at the Quincy Moose Lodge.
Please leave a memory for the family or sign their online guestbook at www.scharbachs.com. Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, is assisting the family with arrangements.