Harley James Engen

Harley James Engen was born in Holt MN on December 16, 1926 to Harry and Josie Engen. He died on October 6, 2014. He graduated from Newfolden High School. Harley was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He was married to Lillian Grode on September 5, 1953. He served in the US Army from 1945-1947 where he was trained as a tank driver and later worked as a guard at Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas. He served in the Air Force from 1951-1953 where he trained as a crew chief on the B-29’s. He worked as an aircraft mechanic for Boeing for over 30 years. While working on the Jetfoils at Boeing, he traveled to England, Belgium, Hawaii, Hong Kong and Venezuela. When possible, Lil accompanied him on these exotic trips. Harley enjoyed hunting, gardening, fishing, camping and family trips to the Midwest to visit friends and relatives. After retiring from Boeing in 1988, Harley and Lil spent their winters in Sun City AZ. He enjoyed spending time wood carving, woodworking, water volleyball, oil painting, tai-chi, and most of all, spending time with family and his grandkids. He loved working crossword puzzles and the daily Sudoko puzzle. Harley was an avid cribbage player. According to him-if he won: It was “skillful playing”, if his opponent won: It was “luck”. His grandchildren spent many hours playing cribbage with him and Lil. Harley was a member of the Burien Elks Lodge. He and Lil have been members of St. Bernadette’s Parish for more than 50 years. He looked forward to his monthly breakfast get togethers with his former Boeing Flightline co-workers, Tuesday bowling matches, and Sunday breakfasts at Denny’s. He and Lil were married for 61 years.

Survivors include his wife Lillian, son Gary Engen (Molly), daughters Ann Wallace (Glenn), Julie Allmaras (Jerry), and Patti Fox (Mike), sisters Janice Critchley (MN), Becky (Lyle) Olson (MN), sister-in-law Connie Engen (GA), and grandchildren: Greg and Mariah Wallace, Megan, Jason, and Justin Allmaras, Rachael, Adam, Hannah, Sarah, Miriam and Abigail Fox, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Josie Engen, and siblings Harriet Engen, Delores Engen Smith, and Vernon Engen.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Vincent de Paul Society-c/o St. Bernadette’s Parish 861 SW 126th Burien, WA 98146.