David L. Engler

David Engler, age 83 of Glenwood died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, October 12, 2018. A Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20th at the Glenwood Cemetery in Glenwood with Pastor Andy Lewis officiating. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

David Leroy Engler was born on September 15, 1935 in Woodville, OH to Leonard and Martha (Nicol) Engler.  Soon after, the family moved to Bellevue, OH where he grew up.  On May 20, 1958 David enlisted in the United States Navy.  During his service he was stationed at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut.  While enlisted he served on the USS Oriskany, the USS Clamagore and finally on the USS Francis Scott Key.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.  It was while living in Connecticut that he met his wife, Arlys.  They were married on June 15, 1966 in a garden wedding ceremony at her parents’ farm in Forest Lake, MN.  They made their home in Norwich, Connecticut until Dave left the Navy in 1968.

After the Navy, they moved the family to Minnesota.  David began working on the Soo Line Railroad in Glenwood, as a Switchman and later as a Conductor.  David enjoyed several hobbies and activities, including men’s softball, bowling, golfing, and carpentry.  He was very good working with his hands and he spent many hours tinkering in the garage.  He and Arlys spent countless hours working together remodeling and renovating the family home in Glenwood, as well as the cabin on Lake Amelia by Villard, MN.  Later in life, David had the joy of restoring a 1941 Plymouth Coupe, which was a dream of his since he was young.  He spent many summers driving his car to area car shows.

After his retirement from the railroad, he and Arlys were able to spend time traveling, visiting family and friends.  They had the pleasure of seeing such sights as Williamsburg, VA, Charleston, SC, golfing at Myrtle Beach, SC, the Alamo in San Antonio, TX, Branson, MO, and the Grand Canyon in CO.  They also went with Arlys’ mother and sister on a Caribbean Cruise.

David was a quiet, unassuming man, whose greatest joy was the time he spent with his family and friends; whether it be at the lake with his kids teaching them to water ski, or around the dining table playing cards.

He is survived by their 3 children, Pam Watson of Glenwood, Brian Engler of Glenwood, and Brent (Jody) Engler of Barrett, MN; 3 grandchildren, Tara Watson of Minneapolis, MN, Michael Engler of Barrett and Lynette Engler of Barrett; siblings, Barb (Erv) Shufelt of Bellevue, OH and Bruce (Geri) Engler of Lutz, FL and Doyle “Butch” Engler of OH; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Arlys; his parents, Leonard and Martha Engler; parents-in-law, Tony and Dorothy Vanderpas; and nephews Keith Shufelt and Bruce Gustafson.

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