Michael Dennis Engebretson, age 82 died Friday, August 1, 2025 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Michael Dennis Engebretson, often called Denny, was born September 27, 1942, the son of Luella (Buecsher) and Henry E. Engebretson in Saint Paul, Minnesota.  When he was a young boy, his family lived in Boy River, Minnesota. In his early teens, they moved to Grand Rapids.  Denny graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1960 and continued his education at the University of North Dakota, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Business.  Upon graduation, Denny took a job with Bell Telephone where he lived in Bismarck, ND, Rugby, ND and Grand Forks, ND.  He then found his perfect fit as an owner/dealer with Snap On Tools.  Denny returned to Grand Rapids and served the Minnesota Northern region serving many customers in the Bemidji area for 48 years.  At the age of 74, he reluctantly retired due to health issues.  His customers were his friends and he often talked fondly about them.

On September 4, 1965, Denny was united in marriage to Ladonna J. Stumpf.  Together, they raised their family of four children.

Denny can be remembered as a man of integrity and was always respected by his customers and colleagues.   He was a hardworking man who was always "selling" a product.  As a 9-year-old boy selling shampoo from door to door, working at a hot dog stand, distributing The Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper to the local paper boys in the area, to selling tools, he was a true business man!  Keeping active and exercising were of great importance to him.  He especially loved walking around the lake and bicycling.  He continued to exercise until the last days of his life.  He was also very proud of his family and enjoyed providing for them.

Denny is preceded in death by his son, Matthew Engebretson in 2020; his parents, Henry and Luella; and his brothers, James Engebretsen, Dale Engebretson, and Ray Engebretson.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ladonna; his son, Bryant (Hilary) Engebretson; his daughters, Allison (Jason) Houtsma and Amanda (Dan) Egan; seven grandchildren, Autumn, Brendan, Bjorn, Asher, Hannah, Ryan, and Halle; sister-in-law, Sally Engebretsen; brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Debbie Goggleye; other relatives and friends.

A memorial service to honor Denny is being planned for the Summer of 2026.