Don Lewis Engebretson, age 91, a retired electrician for ASARCO and life long Mullan resident, passed away on December 9, 2011, at the Silver Wood Good Samaritan Center in Silverton, Idaho. Don was born August 10, 1920 on his maternal grandparents farm in Belknap, Montana to Alice (Disbrow) and Lewis Engebretson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie, one son, Wayne Olkonen, a sister, Peggy Summerkamp, and two brothers Thor and Anker Engebretson.
Don attended public school in Mullan, Idaho graduating from Mullan High School in 1938. After high school, he worked at various mines in the Silver Valley. During WWII Don was called to active duty in 1943 and took his basic training at Camp Hale, Colorado, for Company D 86th Infantry 10th Mountain Division. He was stationed in the Northern Apennines in Italy.
After his discharge from the service, Don returned to Mullan and he married Nadine Almquist in 1946 in Superior, Montana and they had three daughters Vonnie, Kris and Terri; they later divorced in 1954. Don worked at the Morning Mine and then the Galena Mine, with most of his career spent at the Galena. He took correspondence courses and obtained his journeyman electrician standing in 1960. In 1966, he became a member of the ASARCO 25-year club, and for the past several years, was the member with the most years, having begun working for ASARCO in 1939.
He married Marie Olkonen on November 15, 1958, and between the two of them, they raised 9 children, all in Mullan, with most raised in the house on High Boulder. Don was active at Lookout Ski Lodge, being a charter member of Lookout Ski Club. He was also a member of the Lookout Ski Patrol. Don and Marie loved animals and took in many strays who became cherished members of their family. Being an active guy, Don was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shriner’s, and the Sad Sacks.
Don is survived by his and Marie’s children: Vonnie Pemble of Pinehurst, Idaho, Kris and Gary Garitone of Mullan, Idaho, Terri and Mike Dexter of Wallace, Idaho; Keith and Jean Olkonen of Port Orchard, Washington, Mark and Billie Olkonen of Bremerton, Washington, Mickey Olkonen of Mullan, Idaho, Kay Payton of Emmett, Idaho and Karol and Mark Lindstrom of Mullan, Idaho; one sister Alice “Cis” Smith of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; 21 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family suggests that memorials may be made in Don’s name to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mullan, Idaho; Silver Wood Good Samaritan Center, P.O. Box 358 Silverton, Idaho; Hospice of North Idaho 9493 N. Government Way Hayden, Idaho 83835; or to Shoshone Pet Rescue P.O. Box 884 Kellogg, Idaho.
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.
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So sad to hear of Don's passing. He was by far one of my father's favorite people. As a child I could not wait for Don and Marie to come and visit my parent's up the river. Don was always fun and attentive to the Baillie kids. He would always take one of us to Prichard with him to get candy. What a sweet memory of a very sweet man. Our prayers are with his family. -- Scott Baillie
I worked with Don for many years out of the Galena elec. shop. He taught me much about the electrical field and I have much respect this man. -- Richard VanHoose
I am so sorry to all of you for the loss of Don, my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a kind and gentle, caring man. Don and my Dad belonged to the VFW together and were always very proud to have served there country! Cherish all of those very special memories and keep his contageous smile in your heart. -- Rhonda (Hautala) Green
I will miss you great uncle Don. You were a wonderful man that I love dearly. -- I still remember how excited you were (and how happy I was) when I brought you some pictures of the 10th Mountain Division statue in Vail, Colorado. I loved the surprise on your face... I still brag that my "uncle Don" was one of the elite members of that famous division. Again, I will miss you so. Love, -- Heather Listoe Manuel
We will miss his gentle soul! -- Jill Strom
I will miss all the good conversations Uncle Don and I had after I came down from skiing at Lookout Pass. (in remembrance of Don Engebretson). -- Dale Smith
Don was a dear sweet kind unassuming man. All of us who knew and loved him were better off for it. He will be dearly missed. -- Sherry Olkonen
Hello Vonnie, I recognized Engebretson right away. Met your nice Dad one time in Mullan MANY years ago. There were some little girls there. You or sisters. Our sympathies and love. -- Vonnie Pemble
Hello Nadine, Vonnie, Kris, and Terri. Recognized the Engebretson name right away in Spokane paper. I remember meeting him in Mullan MANY years ago.You were little girls. Our love, prayers, and sympathy. Keep in touch. -- Joy DeFelice
