Don Enger, age 81 of Prior Lake, formerly of Bloomington, passed away on Friday, December 14, 2018. A visitation will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018 from 4-7PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 10AM with a visitation 1-hour prior at St. Michael Catholic Church, Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Don will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery following the funeral services at 2PM.
On July 16, 1937, Don was born on the family farm in the Sioux Agency Township, Minnesota. Working on the farm taught Don the value of hard work. He farmed alongside his father until he was 22 years old. At that time, he joined the Air National Guard. Don’s unit was activated into full service in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis.
After his honorable discharge, Don met a young woman, Marlys, at a friend’s party. One year later, on November 30, 1963, Don and Marlys exchanged wedding vows at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Renville, MN. This union was blessed with three children and 55 years of marriage. The couple lived in Bloomington for 42 years before moving to Prior Lake in May of 2006.
Don traveled throughout the United States. He especially enjoyed road trips with his family—the Black Hills for Sturgis, California on winter breaks, Pike’s Peak in Colorado, and visits to twelve presidential libraries. Don traveled far and wide to see his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan at dance competitions and football, baseball, and rugby games. In his free time, Don enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed fishing with his Uncle Johnnie, Dan, Jake, and Evan. Patience was learned!
For 37 years, Don managed the service department for Highland Marine in St. Paul. During the last three years of Don’s career, he owned Highland Marine Service. His easy going, conversational manner created many lasting relationships. Because of this, Don never truly retired. Fifteen years after retirement, Don still received calls asking for assistance. For the past fourteen years, Don and Marlys wintered in Arizona with many of their friends and family joining.
From his working days, Don had countless stories to share. For 33 years, he did service calls for boaters on Cedar Lake in Annandale—the Fourth of July was always an eventful time of year! Service was his motto. Don was selfless and helped anyone who needed a hand. His life was defined by his character, integrity, faith and family.
Donald is loved and missed by his wife, Marlys; children, Melissa Enger, Dan (Lori) Enger, Nancy (Todd) Cole; grandchildren, Connor, Evan, and Luke Bednarek, Jacob and Alexa Enger; siblings, Junith (Louie) Frieborg, Beverly Kissner, JoAnn (Curt) Pettis; sisters-in-law, Lillian Enger and Linda Enger; other relatives and friends. Don is greeted in Heaven by his parents, Alfred and Alma, and brothers, Gerald and Marvin Enger.
Memorials are preferred to August Donner American Legion Post #309, PO Box 151, Belview, MN 56214.
Arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home & Cremation.
