Steven Donald Engebretson

Steven Donald Engebretson, 71, passed away peacefully at his home on December 17th, 2025, surrounded in love by his wife and kids after a courageous decade-long battle with cancer… all while listening to his favorite songs from days gone by. A visitation and celebration of life will be held at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria from 1:30-3:30 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with a more intimate, private family gathering at a later date yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Steve's family.

Steve was born on June 15th, 1954, in Alexandria, MN, to Donald and Darlene (Oberg) Engebretson. He was the oldest of three children as he grew up with his younger sisters, Susan and Sharon. He had fond memories growing up in “old Alexandria” and loved playing sports with the neighborhood pals – backyard football, baseball, golf… you name it.

After high school, Steve attended Alexandria Technical and Community College, where he earned his Associate of Arts (AA) degree in sales and marketing. From an early age, he was always involved in the grocery business… largely thanks to his father. He had a variety of jobs over the years… Pete’s County Market, Fritzy Fresh, Donny’s Warehouse Foods, Pete’s County Market (again), and finally Elden’s Fresh Foods. He always had a quick wit about him and loved making a wise-crack or shooting the breeze with anyone through the aisles who was willing to listen. We don’t all talk much, but sometimes the quiet ones, when they do talk… you listen more because it is either important, funny, or both. He checked all those boxes.

On August 7th, 1981, Steve was united in marriage to Kathy (Sheehan) Engebretson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN, which turned out to be an excellent move given the quality of their offspring. The last few years of Steve’s life were certainly difficult for him due to health issues, but his pride and joy were always his three kids – Ryan, Kevin, and Sarah. Like a lot of men from his generation, he didn’t always express it, but it was felt – he had a really good heart. His kids will forever remember him for his sense of humor, his laugh, his work ethic, his ability to provide for his family, his wildly obscure knowledge of music, his love of old movies and TV shows, his addiction to chocolate, and most importantly… his big heart for those he cared about. His kids feel they inherited those traits from both parents… and for that they are extremely grateful.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Donny and Darlene Engebretson, and his sister Sharon (Dwight) Dronen. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Engebretson, who was with him every step of the way through the countless appointments, medications, meals, and tough times. If he hadn’t said it to her enough, it was obvious he loved her deeply and she was his rock. He is also survived by his three children – Ryan (Paula) Engebretson, Kevin Engebretson, and Sarah (Tyler) Spanswick, as well as his sister, Susan (Scott Carlson) Engebretson… and a whole host of cousins, extended family, and friends… all of whom he held very dear.

Steve and his entire family would also like to offer an enormous “thank you” to Dr. Raflores, the nursing staff, the Hospice of Douglas County, and everyone else who lent a hand in his journey over the last 10+ years. One thing we’ve learned – a lot of good people in this world.

May his sense of humor, his love of great music, and his heart for others live on for eternity.