Selma Ann Engebretson

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Selma Ann Engebretson, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Selma was born in Mauston, Wisconsin, to Richard and Anna (Pier) Kastner. At age four, her family moved to Kiester, Minnesota, where she grew up. On March 15, 1953, she married the love of her life, VirGene, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Together, they built a loving home in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where they raised four children.

Selma was a proud stay-at-home mother for seventeen years and remained a constant source of support, guidance, and joy to her children, grandchildren, friends, and loved ones. She regarded her roles as a wife and a mother with the utmost importance. Selma and ‘Gene” maintained a strong connection with their children and grandchildren as they grew up, and held a standing appointment for coffee and rolls every Thursday for many years. Selma was also a beloved pillar of the community. Selma and ‘Gene’ joined First Lutheran Church in 1961, and their family has stayed involved in their church family since.

Selma enjoyed a fulfilling career, serving nineteen years as an auditor at the Albert Lea Courthouse and twenty-one years as Gambling Manager for the Albert Lea American Legion. She was a charter member of Circle 4, a Cub Scout den mother, and a Sunday-school teacher, touching many lives through her generosity and compassion.

Selma was a talented seamstress, lovingly creating many bridesmaids' dresses and special occasion outfits for family and friends. Her culinary talents were well-known, and she frequently delighted loved ones with her homemade ice cream and doughnuts. On Saturdays, while ‘Gene’ was at the golf course, Selma and the girls would relish in her home-made tacos or chow mein, some of ‘Gene’s’ not-so-favorite dishes. She was also an avid gardener, bird watcher, and puzzle enthusiast, and looked forward to her coffee gatherings with neighbors. She was a true and enthusiastic fan of the Minnesota Vikings. Selma will be remembered for her joyful spirit, caring heart, and the love she shared so freely. She often said, “See you later, alligator,” always expecting the familiar reply, “After-while, crocodile.”

Selma is survived by her children, Lance (Debbie) Engebretson of Albert Lea, MN, Diane Gordon of Waseca, MN, Kathy (Dan) Deboer of Clarks Grove, MN; her grandchildren, Krista Stillings of Minneapolis, MN, Jace (Lacey) DeBoer of Albert Lea, MN, Bryce (Allyson) DeBoer of Clarks Grove, MN, and Toni Marie (Eli) Dyvig of Albert Lea, MN; and her great-grandchildren, Asher DeBoer, Greyson DeBoer, Hudson DeBoer, Harvey Dyvig, Lottie Dyvig, and Callan Dyvig. She is also survived by her brother, Richard (Darleen) Kastner of Sugarland, TX; sister-in-law, Marcene (Willie) Moore of Mason City, IA; brother-in-law, Jim (Wanda) Engebretson of Kiester, MN; and many extended family members and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, VirGene Engebretson; her daughter Cheryl Christensen; her grandson, Dillon Gordon; siblings Carl Kastner, Doris Kastner, and Margaret (Elmer) Simenson; sister-in-law, Ruth (Jerry) King; and brother-in-law, Claude Engebretson.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service, 2210 East Main Street, Albert Lea 56007, at 11 AM, with an hour of visitation before, beginning at 10 AM. Her family, friends, and community will forever cherish her memory and feel the impact of her remarkable life.