Ronald "Ron" Engelstad

Ronald "Ron" Edward Engelstad, 84, of Grygla, MN, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his residence with his loving wife by his side.
Ron was born on October 12, 1940, in Thief River Falls, MN, to Edward and Nora (Leshar) Engelstad. He was baptized at Landstad Lutheran Church on November 17, 1940 in Gatzke, MN, and confirmed at United Lutheran Church in Gatzke. He attended Wildwood Country School from 1st grade to 3rd grade, Gatzke School from 4th grade to 8th grade, Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston from 9th to 12th grade, and vocational school for auto body and welding in Thief River Falls from 1958 -1960.
In November 1960, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for two years, including a year stationed in Korea. After returning home, he worked various jobs as a welder and lumber yardman before moving into road construction in Minneapolis. In 1970, he returned to Gatzke to pursue his passion for farming.
On October 2, 1965, Ron married Linda Anderson at Eklund Lutheran Church, rural Goodridge, MN. Together, they built a life centered around family and community. He enjoyed farming, restoring tractors, snowmobiling, motorcycling, watching his children and grandchildren's sporting events and activities, watching his great-grandkids, and spending time with family at Maple Lake.
Ron was deeply involved in his community. He served on the United Lutheran Church Council, Grygla School Board (1971–1979), Veldt Township (1971–2025), American State Bank Board (1976–1992), Garden Valley Telephone Board (1985–2018), Grygla Lions (1971–2025), and Grygla American Legion (1971–2025).
He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Linda; children Derel Wicklund and Reed (Nichole) Engelstad; grandchildren Austin (Allison) Wicklund, Rylee (Cameron) Lundeen, Lyndie Wicklund, and Drake (Maleah Lee) Engelstad; great-grandchildren Emmy Lundeen, Brooks Engelstad, and Gavin Lundeen; brother Richard (Carol) Engelstad; sisters-in-law Florence Becker, Darlene Halvorson, LaVonne (Larry) Forsberg, and Julie (Gary) Kiesow; brother-in-law Tim (Lois) Anderson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Marilyn (Ronald) Bucholz; infant brother; father- and mother-in-law Orvin and Verna Anderson; stepmother-in-law Arda Anderson; brothers-in-law Richard Halvorson and Vernon Becker; and many other relatives and friends.
Ron's legacy of dedication to family and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a prayer service starting at 6:00 PM. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025 at United Lutheran Church in Gatzke, MN with Rev. Timothy Lundeen officiating. Burial will follow at Landstad Cemetery, Gatzke, MN.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com