Omar Engen

Omar M. Engen, 94, died Monday, April 3, with family at his side, following a brief stay at Dove Healthcare South, Eau Claire, and after suffering a stroke nearly 24 years ago.
Omar was born March 27, 1923, in Strum, WI, to Olaf and Esther (Hagen) Engen. He attended the local one room brick school in Strum, and was a 1942 graduate of Mondovi High School, Mondovi, WI. His whole life, Omar lived and farmed on the family farm in the Town of Albion, rural Strum.
On October 18, 1947, Omar married Ruth I. Maug at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Strum.
As well as farming, Omar was a custodian in the Eleva-Strum School District and drove school bus for 30 years. The years employed by the school district were part of his very special memories. He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Strum where he served in several positions.
Omar was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying watching baseball, the game he played in his youth, and the Packers football games. He had a great sense of humor and a kind heart. He enjoyed being around people. His greatest love was for his family, participating and supporting his children’s endeavors and always being concerned about their welfare. He especially enjoyed watching his 10 grandchildren grow and looked forward to all of their visits.
Following his stroke he was faithfully cared for at home by his wife, Ruth, and son, Tim. The family especially appreciates the tender care he received during his last days at both Osseo Area Hospital-Mayo, Hospice, and Dove Healthcare South, Eau Claire.
Omar is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ruth. His children: Peggy (Kenneth) Schaub, Sun Prairie; Pamela (James) Nikolai, Marshfield; Kurt (Donna) Engen, Mondovi; Karen (Arthur) Ostertag, Appleton; and Tim Engen, Strum. Ten grandchildren: Emily Schaub Horning and Jonathan (Katie) Schaub; Heidi (Johnathon) Kerns and Steven (fiancé Rosa Yorks) Nikolai; Ann and Kate (fiancé Austin Brack) Engen; Amy Ostertag Kloiber, Aaron (fiancé Kirstin Sfetku), Andy, and Kellie Ostertag; and two great-grandsons, Carson Kloiber and Everett Kerns.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Lavern.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Strum, with The Rev. Paul Tobiason officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Strum.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to time of service at the church on Friday.
Schiefelbein Funeral Home in Osseo is assisting the family.