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Darla uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 7, 2018
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Dan Engler posted a condolence
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Decades of Courage - the Life of Marcella Madeline Engler
Our mother was courageous. Born in 1926, she was four years old during some of the most difficult times for people in the plains of South Dakota. The early 1930’s were plagued by severe drought, massive dust storms, grasshopper infestation and a worldwide economic depression. Growing up in mostly rural South Dakota in the 1930’s took strong convictions. She and her five sisters must have had many difficult days that tested their faith many times. But these struggles to survive the harsh and challenging days made Marcella stronger in her faith and commitment to one day building a better life.
When thousands of people were leaving South Dakota for dreams of a better life on the west coast, the Jankords decided to stay in Watertown. Her father, Ben, found a job driving a truck on the dirt roads between Watertown and Minneapolis, MN. He stayed on that same job for decades, until he retired. A true example of courage, determination and commitment. The young girls watched as Ben, day after day, faithfully going off to work to provide for his family.
In the 1940’s, the courageous teenager was faithfully attending catholic parochial school. Her teachers were nuns, and instilled in her the love of learning, dedication to study, discipline, proper etiquette, manners and faith in God. She loved to read and was an excellent student. These were lessons that she would one day teach and impart to her children.
One day she met Harvey. A son of a farmer from Florence, he was strong and known for being kind of wild. He was a Lutheran boy who really didn’t think much of school but who loved to hunt and trap and work the fields with his dad. He was the exact opposite of a 19 year old catholic city girl. And given the times, the religious differences presented another challenge, and test of courage.
They married in 1945 and began their lives together on the Engler homestead in a small, rustic house on the rolling plains near Florence. Harvey was a hard worker and built a prosperous farm- raising sheep, pigs, chickens and cattle, planting crops, trapping musk rats and enduring the harsh South Dakota winters. Marcella shared the chores and worked hard to make the little house a home. Soon she had a little girl. Then a son. But the lovely little family was devastated when their beloved Dean was tragically lost in an accident. Their courage was tested, and they soon left the farm to move back to town.
Then the young couple has another girl, and another boy, and a girl, and a boy, and a girl, and finally twins! A boy and a girl. Now there are eight children and it is the 1960s.Life in Watertown is good. There are family and friends close by. The oldest is about to go off to college and the kids are growing and growing. And then Harvey comes up with a plan to move to Texas. Courageous move, but Marcella saw it as an opportunity to grow.
The 70’s and 80’s and 90’s…these are the years when the kids grew up, moved on, started careers and families of their own. And Harvey and Marcella struggled at times, but persevered and prospered with their businesses. They were able to travel and seen many parts of the country and even other parts of the world. They welcomed grandchildren and loved them all the same. Harvey sold his business and they ended up in Temple, Texas where her beloved husband passed away after battling cancer and chronic heart disease.
Marcella remained courageous. She had worked hard to create a good home that she loved and she enjoyed her last days reading, gardening and caring for the house. She faced her final days with the same conviction and strength that she instilled in all her children. Confidently and courageously she fell asleep in the arms of her loving Savior.
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Sheila & Frank Gaudiano posted a condolence
Thursday, April 5, 2018
To me, Aunt Marcella was always a kind, gentle soul. She and Uncle Harvey always welcomed us lovingly into their home when we visited.
Our deepest sympathy and loving prayers to all of our cousins. May your many memories carry you through those times when you miss your mother's presence the most.
Love cousins Sheila and Frank Gaudiano
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Darla lit a candle
Thursday, April 5, 2018
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Darla posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, April 5, 2018
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The family of Marcella Engler uploaded a photo
Thursday, March 29, 2018
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6009 Wedgwood Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76133
Phone: (817) 292-2250