Valoris Engebretson, 78, Luverne, died Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at her home under hospice care. Services were Saturday, Dec. 27, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Gary Klatt officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne. Valoris June Reinke was born to Benard and Martha (Greenfield) Reinke on June 14, 1925, in Burchard. She was baptized on June 21, 1925, in Balaton. She attended country school in Burchard. She graduated from high school in Balaton. She continued her education in nurse’s training in Minneapolis.She married Norman W. Engebretson on June 29, 1946, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tyler. After finishing college the couple moved to Luverne. Mr. Engebretson served his apprenticeship with Smith Funeral Home in Luverne for two years. He became manager of the Rock County Burial Association on July 1, 1949. They later bought the business on June 1, 1953. In 1969, they began construction of the present day Engebretson Funeral Home which was completed in 1970. She helped her husband in all facets of the funeral business. Mrs. Engebretson was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. She served on many Circles and the Guild. She taught Sunday School and was a Stephen Minister. She belonged to Mrs. Jaycee’s and the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1955 and a member of the Order of the Rose and Silver Circle. She enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, gardening and was an avid reader. Survivors include three sons, Dan (Nancy) Engebretson, Rosemount, David (Andrea) Engebretson, St. Louis, Mo., and Mark Engebretson, West Palm Beach, Fla.; two daughters, Jane Engebretson, Roseville, and Mary (Keith) Gunderson, Canton, S.D.; five grandchildren, Ali de Kock, Nathan Engebretson, Michael Wynia, Katie Gunderson, and Elyse Engebretson; one brother, Kenneth (Marie) Reinke, Colorado Springs, Colo.; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Mrs. Engebretson was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Norman, on Sept. 27, 1995. A tree will be planted by Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital in memory of Valoris. Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge in arrangements.
