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Richard A. Enga

Richard Enga Obituary

Enga, Richard A.
Age 59
Of Edina
Died early Thursday morning surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Raised in Madison, MN, Rick served as a Prosecutor most of his life in Hastings and the Twin Cities. At the time his illness was diagnosed, Rick was serving as a Special Prosecutor for the UN Mission in Kosovo. Preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Stella Enga, and biological father, Ed Woolbright. Survived by this wife, Diane; children, Jennifer Enga, Audra JoliCoeur, Chad (Tammy) JoliCoeur; grandchildren, Max, Marvea, Miranda, Thomas and Christopher; siblings, Nancy, Nita, Marc, Gilbert, Alice, Kathy, Kristy, Karen and Joy; and, many nieces, nephews, other friends and relatives. Rick's life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis on Monday at 10 am. Memorials preferred to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities, 2550 University Avenue, St. Paul, 55114.

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Published by Pioneer Press from Sep. 10 to Sep. 11, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Enga

24 Entries

Bob King

September 4, 2006

I was fortunate to work for Rick at the Dakota County Attorney's Office for a few years in the '80s. He was one of the finest people I've ever known. He was incredibly charming, confident and smart, and had great ethical sense. I saw him resolve disputes (sometimes between warring police agencies) by simply reminding them to "do the right thing." He carried so much moral weight that he rarely had to do more than say just that. I also had the "pleasure" of playing tennis with him. Because he was modest, I had no clue what I was getting into. He crushed me, and I thought I was a pretty decent player. Rick was a wonder in the courtroom. Jurors loved him. I had always wished I could somehow bottle his "presence" and use some of it myself.

I still find it hard, after all of this time, to believe he is gone. The world is a lesser place for his death.

Rick W.

June 17, 2006

I just recently found out,he was a great attorney and even a greater guy!

Ramona Austin

January 24, 2006

Dear Enga Family,

I knew Rick in the mid-seventies when he was a young attorney just starting out. Like many who have made comments in your guest book, I too was touched by his humanity, social conscience, kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit. I have found that the measure of a person is revealed in the manner in which they die and the manner in which their family and friends lay them to rest and speak of them when they are gone. It is thirty years since we last spoke, but I am as heartbroken at his passing as if it were yesterday. This was truly a great man and we are all blessed having known him.

Jessica LeVesseur

October 23, 2005

I'm so sad.Just found out today.

Susan Gray

September 21, 2005

Dear Jenny - I feel fortunate to have met your dad while he was coaching the girls basketball team. Coaching pre-teen girls is not an easy position and I admired him for taking on the challange. I know he cared about you deeply and it is a difficult loss for you. I send you all my best wishes.

ron adler

September 21, 2005

To the Enga Family: I worked with Rick in the Henn Co Attys. office during the time he was there. I was an investigator who worked with Rick on many homicide cases. He was a classy guy who loved going to trial and seldom lost. His passing brings back many memories of working together. He will be missed.

Deborah Hedlund

September 12, 2005

Dear Diane and Jenny,

I met Rick our first year of law school and got better acquainted when either I bailed him out from the Red Barn demonstration arrests or he helped me bail other law students arrested out of jail. The specifics are lost, but his tender and generous heart will long be remembered in the legal community he served. I am so blessed to have known him. I share your sorrow at his passing. Debby Hedlund

Paula Sanders

September 12, 2005

Greetings Family,

Peace and Blessings will follow you for the rest of your days. I spent some of Rick's precious time on July 1, 2005, we talked about the value of life and how important that we cherish each moment we're given. Rick indicated the challenges he faced, he was prepared to deal with what ever came his way. May he rest in peace knowing, he went the next mile doing all he could to be the most noble, passionate, dedicated and caring man. I thank you for sharing him with me!

cheryl slattery

September 12, 2005

~~To the entire Enga Family~~

My heart just sank into my stomache when i heard that Rick had passed away. He was such a wonderful,compassionate,caring,kind
,patient,and understanding man. He helped me with many of lifes impossible struggles when no one else would,or could. He was the only one who was able to get through to me,and only one who was patient enough to let me figure out what had to be done to achieve what i wanted to have happen! I wish i could have gone to honor this man who in his own little way saved my life. Well he stopped me from wrecking any chance of me ever having a normal life. Rick was my defense attorney, my counselor, and he treated me like a friend instead of just a client. And thats what made him special. I found out about his passing just this morning ~9/12/05~ so i was unable to get out of work. My heart goes out to all who knew Rick. Especially his family. Thank You.

~~Cheryl Slattery~~

Lana Chisler

September 12, 2005

DeDe and Jenny and the entire family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Please remember all the wonderful time you had as a family and what a truly wonderful person Rick is. He has been my prayers over the last year. Rick adored his family and would gladly brag about each and every one of them. He loved his family and adored his daughter and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed and my family was changed by just knowing this wonderful person. My girls will always remember the generousity of both Rick and DeDe and loved being able to be spend time with them. Thank you for letting us be part of your lives and our prayers are with you now and forever.

Lana Chisler

Lisa (Stordahl) Masewicz

September 11, 2005

DeDe,Audra,Chad,Jenny and Family,

My thoughts are with all of you. Please know that we are thinking about you.

Lisa and Family

STANLEY PRYOR

September 11, 2005

I FIRST MET RICK WHEN I WAS ABOUT TEN YEARS OLD, I AM NOW 42, HE GAVE ME MY FIRST JOB WHEN HE WAS LOCATED ON 12TH AND NEWTON BACK IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES, HE WAS A VERY KIND AND GIVING PERSON AND ONE OF HIS LAST ACTS OF LOVE WAS IN GIVING MY FRIEND ANTONIO GORMAN MONEY TO PAY HIS RENT,BUY FOOD AND TO REPRESENT HIM FOR FREE. RICK WILL TRULY BE MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTEN.

Mary Ann Vertin, RN

September 11, 2005

"Let us now praise famous men."

Rick--I was/am your "funny nurse" at Abbott. I recall your laughter when I once complimented you on your nice "tan." You are one-of-a-kind and hearing you speak to your family on the phone was a lesson in love for us all.

tom&dorothy meany

September 11, 2005

He will rest in peace.

Traci King

September 11, 2005

Dear Enga Family,

I am so saddened that Rick has past away. He was a wonderful man, great father and husband. I know my husband Mike and I loved you both so much. You were so good to us. I can only comfort you by saying Mike will be keeping Rick much company in heaven. Plaza VII will never be the same without those 2 great men.

Love always, Traci King and Mike(in spirit)

Teri Hamm

September 11, 2005

Jenny and Dede,

We were very saddened to hear about Rick's passing. Though it's been a few years now, we have many wonderful and sweet memories associated with your whole family. You are all in our thoughts.

Steve, Teri, and Laura Hamm

Susie and Cherish Holmes

September 11, 2005

Deedee & Family,

We are sorry for your loss and we love you so much.

Susie and Cherish

Troy & Chrissy Parker

September 11, 2005

We would like to send our condolences to Rick's family. Rick was a friend of ours and will be missed. May God bless you all during this difficult time.

Ramona Starks

September 11, 2005

It's just so hard to believe that this vibrant, so full-of-life man is gone. I am so glad you called David when you did so he could come down to the hospital to see him again. David (as well as I and the rest of the family - but especially David) loved him so much. You were a lucky woman, Dede, to have such a man in your life. And, Jenny, I know you must realize what a wonderful father you had!

Rick will be forever remembered by my family. His spirit of love, compassion, generosity and kindness will never die. I'm sure the good Lord has a special place for him.

Jan (Dolman) Kline

September 10, 2005

It is several years since I last spoke to Rick so I too was surprised and saddened to hear of his passing. Although we both lived in Madison, it was running into him on the Minneapolis Campus of the U of M (many years ago) that I remember him best. He was a kind, honest, friendly person and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Jerome Samuelson

September 10, 2005

As so many, I had no idea Rick was ill. He and I worked together for many years, since the time he was a young assistant city attorney and I was a crusading defense lawyer. I respected him immediately. We tried many cases together, from shoplifting to homicide. His insight and skill winnowed the chaff from the wheat and only cases that needed to be tried went to trial. He knew what a case was worth and tried it skilfully and with remarkable compassion for every player in the sad dramas we disected. I learned from him, professionally and personally. I will miss him, and always remember him.

Mark Oium

September 10, 2005

Dear Dede and family:

I was deeply saddened today to learn of Rick's passing. I had no idea he was ill. I understand that he passed with his family by him and for that I am happy. He loved his family more than anything.

Rick was my hero. Everything about him evoked gallantry, fairness, honesty and kindness. As you may remember, my parents were great friends of Stella and Glen Enga. Stella was my kindergarten teacher. We would often go over to the Enga's for dinner and cards. Of course, being several years younger than Rick and Nancy, they might not be expected to give me the time of day. Just the opposite was true. They would play with me and graciously invite me into their activities.

Rick was the star athlete in Madison and I aspired to do everything he did. Rick was a great tennis player and I started playing because of him. Over the years, I tried to play with him when I travelled through Mpls on business. I would relish those rare occasions when I could get the best of him. Predictably, the last time we played, he whupped me.

In high school, Rick was the student council president. I got onto student council because he was the president. At the U of M, Rick encouraged me into becoming a lawyer and after 27 years of practice in Cal., I have never regretted following his sage advice.

Rick was a great, great friend and I shall miss him dearly. Please accept my regrets at not being able to attend his service as I will be starting a trial on Monday.

Dr. Judi Fitzgerald

September 10, 2005

Dear Diane,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May God keep you and bless you with His strength in the days ahead.

Dr. Judi Fitzgerald

Kristi Noack-Limke

September 10, 2005

Diane/Jenny

We are so deeply saddened that this great man, Rick, will no longer be with us. I will always remember him as a wonderful, generous, giving, strong man and I hope you remember all the great times you had with him. He had such a remarkable gift of humanity and kindness. People were just drawn to his personality; he was loved by so many.

It is a true honor to have known him, worked for him and learned from him. He may not even known how many lives he has touched and how wonderful of a guy he was. That's probably what also made him the man he was, he was so down-to-earth; reaching out to everyone and touching them with his kindness.

Jenny, I hope you always know that he adored you with all his heart. His eyes would "twinkle" when he talked (bragged) about you. You were so blessed to have a wonderful father and friend.

I have so many wonderful and fond memories of Rick and I will keep them with me always. Please know my thoughts, prayers and love are with you and we will miss this great man tremendously.

With love, Kristi and Grant

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