VERNON GEORGE ENGELKES, age 83, of rural Rushmore, died Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Dewald Township, near Rushmore, after checking on his cattle. He was born December 29, 1933, to Jurgen and Anna (Oltmans) Engelkes. Vernon was born and raised on the family farm just west of Rushmore. He attended grade school in Rushmore and graduated from Worthington High School.

Vernon married Beverly Redenius in June of 1962. They raised four children, Barb, Paul, Mark & Theresa. The couple moved and raised their family across the section from Vernon's family farm. They later divorced. Vernon continued to farm and raise cattle.

He loved going hunting with his pet pigeon, Rocco. Vernon's favorite part of farming was the cattle. He would often introduce himself as "Vernon is the name, cattle is the game". Later in life, he took the time to enjoy fishing with his brother. He also loved driving around in his Dodge to visit and share stories! You could find him out on his 4-wheeler looking at the crops or cattle. In the early 1980's, he became an honorary Kentucky Colonel.

Vernon is survived by his four children, Barbara (Glen) Edmundson, Tyler; Paul (Amber) Engelkes, rural Rushmore; Mark (Candya) Engelkes, rural Rushmore; and Theresa Engelkes, Worthington; ten grandchildren, Tyler (Amanda) Engelkes, Nathaniel (Hannah) Engelkes, Preston (Dianna) Engelkes, Anthony Lumsden, Ethan Engelkes, Dalton (Sarah) Engelkes, Katanna Biesemeier, Autumn Engelkes, Darby (Lucky) Biesemeier and Gavin Engelkes; ten great grandchildren; and a brother, Stanley (LaDon Gruis) Engelkes, Adrian.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Morgan & Wyatt Engelkes; a sister, Frances Backus; two brothers, Jerry (Joyce) and Lloyd Engelkes; sister-in-law, Marge Engelkes; and a niece, Cheryl.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Thursday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington; and also one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. Funeral will be 11 am Friday at the Dingmann Funeral Home, in Worthington, officiated by Pastor Anthony Almodovar. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Rushmore.

To view an online obituary, or order flowers, please visit dingmannandsons.com