Rita Mae Engelbrecht

Rita Mae Engelbrecht (LeJeune)
November 27, 1939 – July 20, 2025
Rita Mae Engelbrecht, age 85, of Bloomington, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.
Born in Minneapolis on November 27, 1939, to Edna and Louis LeJeune, Rita was the second of five siblings and a proud graduate of Holy Angels Academy. As a young woman, she began an exciting chapter working for Braniff Airways, where she had the opportunity to travel the world and formed lifelong friendships-many of which she treasured for the rest of her life.
In 1966, Rita met and married the love of her life, Bud Engelbrecht. Over nearly 60 years of marriage, they built a joyful and welcoming home together while raising four children: Brad Engelbrecht, Wendy (Rob) Duff, Jeff (April) Engelbrecht, and Kurt (Alyssa) Engelbrecht.
With Bud's career taking their family across the country, Rita became the heart of each new home. No matter where they lived-from coast to coast-she had a remarkable gift for creating a warm, loving space and building community. Whether it was finding a new tennis partner, joining a local church, or welcoming new friends to the table, she brought people together with ease, grace, and her signature sense of humor.
Rita lived with a spirited energy and zest for life that was unmistakable. She loved staying active-playing tennis, going for jogs, skiing, or cheering on her beloved Minnesota Vikings. But perhaps more than anything, Rita loved a full house. She was never happier than when her home was alive with friends, family, her children's friends, and, eventually, her grandchildren. She had a natural gift for hospitality, always eager to whip up a meal, pour a glass of wine, and make everyone feel welcome and loved.
Her deep Catholic faith was a quiet but constant presence in her life-grounding her in joy and in sorrow, and guiding the way she loved, forgave, and gave of herself. It was a steady source of strength, gratitude, and grace that shaped who she was.
Rita's greatest joy was being a grandmother. She poured her heart into her nine grandchildren: Erick Gunderson, Tommy, Charlie, Alex, and Emma Duff, Chloe and Conner Engelbrecht, and Jeremy and Samantha Engelbrecht. Her legacy of warmth, strength, humor, and generosity will live on through each of them.
She is survived by her loving husband Bud, her children and grandchildren, her brother Tom LeJeune, and her sister D'Ann (LeJeune) Avery. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Louis LeJeune, and her brothers, Larry and Jimmy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Thursday, July 31, at Friendship Village in Bloomington, Minnesota. In true Rita fashion, we'll gather with smiles, stories, and shared memories-just the way she would have wanted.
Rita brought joy, warmth, and laughter to every life she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever lovingly remembered.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Fraser of Minneapolis in recognition of their many years of leadership in autism services and support.