Floyd was born March 5, 1933, in Fessenden, N.D., to Floyd W. and Ileta (Sundel) Engbrecht, the oldest of two boys. When Floyd was young, he lived on a farm near Fessenden. They moved to New England, N.D., when he was in fourth grade. At age 15, Floyd worked as a stock boy in the local grocery store until he graduated from Carson High School in 1952. The following summer, he drove truck for a local contractor, until he was drafted into the U.S. Army for two years. After basic training, he was sent to Bordeux, France. His job was to help build air bases for the Air Force.
Floyd and Shirley kept in touch during his tour in France and love blossomed.
They were married June 24, 1955, and moved to Jamestown, N.D. When Floyd was hired by the state of North Dakota to work at a weigh station, they moved to Carrington, N.D. It was here their three children were born: Debra, Robin, and Michael. In 1964, Floyd transferred to Ellendale as weigh station supervisor for the new station built there. Shirley worked a variety of jobs until her employment as a U.S. Postal clerk. Floyd and Shirley both retired from their jobs in 1996.
Floyd worked hard to support his family. He always worked a part-time job, like grave digging, along with his full-time career. He and Ernie King had a grave-digging business for several years. Floyd was a member of the American Legion Club, a volunteer firefighter and always available to help a friend in need. Floyd and Shirley enjoyed meeting friends, playing and working Bingo at the American Legion. They belonged to Zion Lutheran Church and the church bowling league.
Floyd and Shirley enjoyed going to dances, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Floyd was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Floyd is survived by two daughters: Debra Hafey, Mobridge and Robin (Lester) Rattei, Pierre; one son, Michael (Monica) Engbrecht, Princeton, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one brother, John (Betty) Engbrecht, Fargo, N.D.
Floyd was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Timpe) Engbrecht; one infant son, Douglas; his parents, Floyd W. and Ileta (Sundel) Engbrecht; his mother- and father-in-law, Walter and Olga (Olson) Timpe; and one grandson, Cory James Rattei.
The funeral is 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale, with Pastor Tom Eckstein officiating. Visitation is from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday and prayer service at 7 p.m. at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Burial with military honors at Ellendale City Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.
hovenfuneralchapel.com