Selma Engleson

Selma "Sally" Engleson, age 94, of Willmar, died Thursday evening, February 12, at Bethesda Heritage Center Nursing Home in Willmar.
Services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, February 19, at Big Bend Lutheran Church in Milan, Minnesota. The interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM Thursday until time of service at the church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.
(www.petersonbrothers.com)
Selma "Sally" Erna Engleson was born on March 14, 1920, in South Haven, Minnesota the daughter of Emma (Lueders) and Fred Laabs. She grew up on the family farm near South Haven and received her education in that area. She lived and worked in South Haven and in the Howard Lake area until she moved to Minneapolis at the age of 20. Selma was very proud of her work as a nanny and housekeeper for several families in the Minneapolis area. During WW II, she worked in a New Brighton munitions plant loading powder into shells. She met many lifelong friends there. After a two month visit to Washington State in 1946, she returned to Minnesota and was married to Emmett Engleson on June 20, 1946. They moved to a farm in the Danvers area to begin their life together. She was an active member of Big Bend Lutheran, participating in many activities into her 80's. She enjoyed her Circle, ELCW and other events very much. She was active in the Swift County Homemaker's Club and was always willing to learn a new craft. She was an expert knitter, crocheter, seamstress, gardener, baker, and quilter. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a very dedicated woman committed to her community and her family.
She is survived by three children: Judy (and John) Ruegg of Rochester, Dale (and Diane) Engleson of Danvers, and Deborah (and Rick) Hanson of Kandiyohi. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren: Matthew (and Danielle) Haats, Kellie Haats and fiancé Tim Larson, Lindsey Haats and special friend Lance Crowe, Sandy (and Ryan) Yenish, Katie Engleson and special friend Jeff Kittelson, Jenna (and B.J.) Fox and Brooke (and Russell) Seymore, 13 great grandchildren: Tayler, Ethan, Mason, Emmie, Ava, Isaiah, Bryce, Chloe, Jaxson, Madison, Aiden, Addison, Penelope and 2 on the way, 1 sister-in-law, Bev Laabs of South Haven and several nieces and nephews, besides other relatives and friends.
Selma was preceded in death by her parents, husband Emmett in 1984, and infant son, Leonard, 1 sister, Millie Hinz, 2 brothers, Harlen and Kenny Laabs and many dear friends.
May God bless and keep her in His loving hands.

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