LLOYD ENGELKES, age 84, of Rushmore, died Saturday, June 9, 2012 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. He was born July 8, 1927 in Olney Township at his parent's home. His parents were Jurgen (George) and Anna (Oltmans) Engelkes.  He had one older brother and sister, along with two younger brothers.  They grew up on the family farm just west of Rushmore.  Lloyd remained on the family farm until the last month or so of his life.  They raised several kinds of farm animals and enjoyed having pet dogs.  He was active in the crop farming also.  He was able to teach his nieces and nephews to drive tractor, especially when square baling hay or straw.  He would tell anyone, "I never yelled at them, I just pointed them in the right direction".  He was an excellent teacher and uncle!!
Lloyd attended his elementary school year at Rushmore elementary, even at this time he was an "A" and "B" student.  He went on to attend Worthington Jr. and Sr. High.  He was a National Honor Student his Jr. and Sr. years.
Lloyd was active in football, track and baseball.  His Sr. year the Trojans went to state as an undefended team.  That same year, Lloyd went to state with the track team.  Outside of school he played baseball.  He was recognized for being the top hitter of the Rushmore team one season with a 435 average.  As he got older he continued to love to watch football and his Minnesota Twins.
Lloyd served in two wars.  At the age of 17 he was trained and served as a fireman engineer on the ships crossing the Atlantic.  He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Lloyd again took up arms for our country to fight in the Korean War.  He then served in the U.S. Army.  During which time he advanced in rank and served in supply and maintenance.
When he returned home he continued to farm with his family. Later in life it was just his brothers (and their children). He remained living at home to help care for the farm and his mother.  He cared for her until her death in January of 2006.  Unfortunately, Lloyd had injured his right ankle, which then became infected.  The infection caused him to be put in the hospital and he then moved to the Minnesota Veteran's Home on April 30, 2012.  He was again back in the hospital because of the infection on May 18, 2012.  He fought long and hard, but chose to stop the suffering. We are thankful he found peace on June 9, 2012.  We love and will miss you Lloyd.
Lloyd is survived by his brothers, Stan (LaDon) Engelkes, Adrian and Vernon (Beverly) Engelkes, Rushmore; seven nieces and nephews, 16 great nephews and nieces and two great-great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Engelkes, sister, Francis and a niece, Cheryl.

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