Inez Linnea Engler

Inez Engler (Mrs. Fred) of Rush City passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2024, just shy of her 95th birthday, at Rushseba Station in Rush City.

Inez was born Inez Linnea Christenson on August 28, 1929 in the Rush City Hospital, Rush City, Minnesota, to Gustaf and Edith (Widstrand) Christenson. 

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and friend, remembered for her warmth, cheerfulness, kindness, and unwavering faith in the love of Jesus.

Raised on her family farm east of Rock Creek, Inez was the youngest of six siblings, with nearly 15 years between her and her oldest brother, Harry. Inez was the only one of her siblings to finish high school with aspirations to be a teacher. However, she began working as a dental assistant for Dr. Olson right after graduation. Upon Dr. Olson's retirement, she continued her career with Dr. Guptil, often assisting or participating in demonstrations at the University of Minnesota.

Music was a cherished part of Inez's life. Her mother Edith played the piano, her sister Frances strummed the guitar, and Inez played the mandolin. Together, they performed at local events and enjoyed musical gatherings with family and friends.

Inez met her husband Fred at Pine Camp, a local ballroom outside Pine City, and according to Inez, it was love at first sight. After marrying, they purchased Inez's ancestral family farm, where they lived and raised their two children until moving to town in 1971. Despite Fred building her a new home, Inez's heart remained with the family farm - a farm girl through and through.

In retirement, Inez and Fred traveled to Mission, Texas for the winter, but her heart stayed in Minnesota with her grandchildren. They spent over twenty-five winters in Texas before Fred's passing. Inez then moved to an apartment at the Rushseba Estates Complex, enjoying card games and bingo, and later to the memory care unit there, where she spent her final months.

Throughout her life, Inez’s faith in the love of Jesus was a cornerstone of her being. Her steadfast belief brought comfort and strength to her and was evident in her caring interactions with others. Now, she is singing joyfully in heaven with Jesus, her heart full of the same love and grace she shared so generously with those around her. 

Inez's memory will be cherished by all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

Inez is survived by her son Morris "Morry" and Norma "Mona" Engler of Rush City; grandchildren Mackenzie Osterdyk, Aaron (Ariel) Engler, Emily (Jason) Karlsson, Brandon Osterdyk; great-grandchildren Dayton (Dani), Devin, Olivia, Aaron, Simon, Lilly, Elsie, and Micah; great-great-grandson Waylon; many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gustav and Edith Christenson; husband Fred Engler; daughter Marcia Carlson; brothers Harry Christenson, Clarence (Julia) Christenson, Arnold (Jean) Christenson and Wendell (Peggy) Christenson; sister Frances (Fillmore) Stromquist.

Funeral services for Inez: 11 AM; Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Rush City with a time of visitation planned one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Rush City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com