On April 14th, 2018, Helgard (Holly) Gertrud Engen, age 73 years, passed on to be with her Savior and many other dearly departed family members. Born to Elisabeth Pritzkow and Richard Schreiber on June 11, 1944 in what was then Löwenberg-Mark, East Germany, Holly began her life in a war-torn country. At the age of 4, she and her family endured a harrowing escape to West Germany in search of freedom. The family settled near Hamburg, West Germany for several years. On March 26th, 1956, with everything they owned in two suitcases, eleven-year-old Holly and her parents boarded the “General W.C. Langfitt” in Bremerhaven, Germany, bound for the United States of America. The family arrived in New York on April 5, 1956, lived in Glendive for a time, and eventually settled in Terry, Montana.
Holly graduated from Terry High School, Class of 1961. After graduation, she moved to Glendive and worked at a drug store in that town.
On September 18, 1965, she married Simeon Thoeny, and to that union seven children were born: Kevin (Myra) Thoeny; Kim (Jay) Johnson; Cindy Johnson, Dustin Thoeny, Wendy Thoeny, Tara Thoeny, and Tami (Rob) Gunsch. In 1983, the marriage was ended by divorce.
On December 29, 1984, Holly married Earlin Glenn Engen with whom she shared a loving union until his death on April 1, 2016.
Holly was a member of the Circle Evangelical Church and spent many Sundays playing piano there as well as the organ on occasion. Holly also loved gardening, working with flowers, and was always pleased to share her talents with anyone who asked. She retired from the McCone County Health Center as a Certified Nursing Assistant in July 2009.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Elisabeth Schreiber, her husband, Earlin Engen, her sister, Gisela (Johannes) Krohn, and brother-in-law, Alfred Kron.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren; Tina Thoeny (Kevin); Tessa & Trevor Johnson(Cindy); Shayna, Alexys, & Marla Thoeny (Dustin); Damian & Jovanni Gonzalez (Wendy); and Simone Thoeny (Tara); her sister Traudel Kron; numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins; two great- grandchildren; and many friends and acquaintances. She was a blessing to many while she was here and touched us all, leaving loving memories to last all time.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B Ave
Circle, MT 59215
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B Ave
Circle, MT 59215
Interment
Immediately following the funeral
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B Ave
Circle, MT 59215
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Circle Evangelical Church
300 B Ave
Circle, MT 59215
Interment
Immediately following the funeral
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, MT
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Arlis Bidwell says
Our family got to know Holly in Terry about two years ago. She was delightful and a friend to our mother Millie. We are sorry to hear of her passing. Thoughts and prayers to all her family and friends.
Arlis and Don Bidwell
Damian Noel Gonzalez says
You were the sweetest most kind most tender grandmother a grandson could wish for. You educated and cared for my brother and I as children and I am extremely grateful for everything you did for us. I know your soul will live on grandma not only through me but through the whole family. “Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either.”
Damian and Jovanni Gonzalez
Williams Family says
Condolences to the Engen family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Marlene Johnson Turner says
So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Be still and know I am God. Psalm 36 may he comfort you during this time. Marlene and Dee Turner
David and Diedree Hess says
I can remember going to school in Terry with Helgard for several years. Very nice young lady. Her Dad was one of the best shoe and boot repairmen. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Dave and Diedree(Ban) Hess
Marla Thoeny says
My grandmother was someone I only met twice in my life. Once when I was really little and don’t remember and again a few weeks before her death. I left school to go and see her, I was in science. I didn’t know her very well but I have one picture of her from when she was 10 or 11 before she left Germany and realized I get my looks from her (except my blonde hair blue eyes, no idea where I got those still.)