Phyllis Grace Engebretson, 86, of St. Paul, Minn., passed away Nov. 21, 2021, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. Phyllis was born April 4, 1935, to Alvin and Grace (Thompson) Engebretson in Black River Falls, Wis.

After Graduating from Black River Falls High School in 1953, she worked at the Trane Company in La Crosse, Wis., to earn money for college. Hers was the last class admitted to earn a two-year teaching certificate at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. After completing the coursework, she taught First Grade in Kenyon, Minn., from 1958-1960. While teaching in Kenyon she took correspondence courses and summer school at Luther College with a fellow teacher/friend. She returned to Luther College to complete her bachelor’s degree in 1961. During these years she forged special lifelong friendships. Following graduation, she took a job teaching in Elgin, Ill.

In 1962, Phyllis followed her dream to be a short-term missionary in New Guinea for two and a half years. She returned to Elgin to teach again until accepting a call from the American Lutheran Church to serve as a missionary teacher in New Guinea again. She would remain there until 1979. At the beginning of her time there she taught elementary children. Later she would join the staff at the Balob Teacher’s College in Lae, Papua New Guinea, teaching English. She spoke fondly of her adventures there... from sewing uniforms to traveling in remote areas to supervise student teachers. Her former principal wrote of how excellent of a teacher she was and of the good rapport she had with her students, while being a cooperative and good friend. In 1979 she moved to St. Paul, Minn., where she briefly taught English as a Second Language. She then took a position in the Missions Department of the American Lutheran Church in Minneapolis until 1987. Following that she worked at the Region 3 office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and for Luther Seminary both in St. Paul, Minn. While working at the Seminary she took many courses taught by the professors for the laity.

Phyllis was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Lauderdale, Minn. She served the congregation as a council member, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, altar guild member, etc. She was very involved in their mission projects as well. She truly followed her favorite motto, “To Serve.”

Phyllis’ hobbies included embroidery (especially counted cross stitch), sewing, reading, and traveling. Over the years she had the opportunity to travel to many countries around the world.

Her family and friends remember fondly her sense of humor and how much she cared for others. She was known for sending letters and cards. She would often include little jokes or special quotes in them.

Phyllis is survived by her brother, Russell (Kyle) Engebretson of Black River Falls; two nieces Karla Engebretson, Kristi (Kevin) Dobson and nephew Kent (Rebecca) Engebretson; four great-nieces Keoinia and Kassandra Dobson, Hannah and Haley Engebretson and a great-nephew, Kaleb Dobson. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Services were Dec. 20, 2021, at Squaw Creek Lutheran Church with Vicar August “Augie” Hohl officiating. Burial followed at Squaw Creek Cemetery.

The Torgerson Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.