Gloria Jean Engen

Gloria was born May 31, 1941 in Moorhead, Minnesota to Melvin and Celestia (Oas) Sorby. She attended Moorhead High School where she played trumpet in the marching band. She graduated in 1959. That same year, she united with Gerald H. Engen of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in marriage at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She worked at North of King, the Fargo Bakery and babysat her niece before moving to Washington State in the fall of 1966, where they made their home in Silverdale. She worked with her sister at Downey Insurance Agency in Bremerton for a few years and then as a homemaker after their daughter was born.

Soon after their daughter graduated high school, she worked in the front office at the Bremerton Elks Lodge #1181 for many years. She loved it. In 1998, the Elks opened their doors to include women members and Gloria was the second woman to be initiated in the Bremerton Lodge. She donated often to the Tall Elks and the Elks National Foundation. She was a proud member, in good standing, for 26 years.

Gloria enjoyed reading, sewing, ceramics, attending Destruction Derby races, attending Lodge Meetings at the Elks, watching Three’s Company, America’s Funniest Home Videos, old black and white movies, NASCAR races, Seahawk football games, listening to music and spending time with family.

Gloria is survived by her husband of 64 years, Gerald (Jerry), daughter Debby (Dan) Bridges of Gig Harbor, Washington, close family tie Charlene Holly and family of Vine Grove, Kentucky, her only Grandchild, Gunnar Bridges, sisters Celia Anderson of Fargo, North Dakota and Virginia (John) Anderson of Fergus Falls, Minnesota and many nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Dennis, Duane and Earl (Babe) Sorby and sisters Margaret Muhle and Dorothy Downey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bremerton Elks Lodge #1181. 4131 Pine Road NE, Bremerton, WA 98310 in her memory.