John Engman

John Theodore Engman, III passed away peacefully on Thursday June 11, 2020 after a six month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

John was born in Minneapolis, MN on November 3, 1946 to John and Julia Engman. He grew up in South Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center and graduated from Brooklyn Center High School in 1964. In August of that year, he enlisted in the Navy on a graduate program called the Kiddie Cruise which allowed him to enlist, with his parents signature, at age 17. He served as a Radioman and was stationed in San Diego, California and Oahu, Hawaii. He toured the Pacific Ocean with ports in the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam on a fuel supply ship. He was released from active duty the day before his 21st birthday.  He spent time going to school in Moscow, ID before returning to Minnesota where he attended Dunwoody Institute. He was introduced to his wife through her older brother at his first fulltime job.

John was preceded in death by his parents. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 51 years, Lela (Carver) Engman, his two sons, Dennis (Kim) of Lino Lakes, Scott (Jessica) of White Bear Lake and two Grandsons Alex and Zach. He is also survived by 1 sister, Kathy Ladd, 1 brother, David (Denise) and a large extended family.

John worked as a retail store manager for 25 years and then returned to school and received an AA in Computer technology. He worked for Allina Health until retirement in 2014.

He was active in his church, a two time council member and a small group leader for many years. He enjoyed volunteering in the community for many different causes.

John loved the outdoors, camping and enjoying his family. After retiring, he and Lela enjoyed traveling in their RV throughout the US and especially loved their winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

A private family service will be held. An Open House to celebrate his life will be held July 11th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 5842 Hobe Lane, White Bear Lake. It will be held outdoors with plenty of space for social distancing.

The Engman family requests that donations be given to a charity that was introduced to us by Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake where  John was active. You can learn about it and donate at this  link: https://besettled.org