Claude Gary Engebretson, 78, formerly of Kiester, died Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, at St. John’s Lutheran Community in Albert Lea. As part of the family’s celebration of Claude’s life, there will be a gathering of friends and family from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Vinje Pub & Grub in Vinje, Iowa. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Vinje. Military honors will be accorded by Kiester American Legion Post No. 454. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.brussheitner.com.

Claude was born March 24, 1938, at Kiester Hospital in Kiester, the son of Clarence and Elvina (Aske) Engebretson. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Vinje. He graduated from Kiester High School in 1956. Following graduation he entered the Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1960. He managed the American Legion in Kiester, then the Union Center in Albert Lea. Later he worked at Streater in Albert Lea. He eventually moved to the Minneapolis area, and worked at a woodworking mill company. Upon retirement, he moved back home to Kiester. He loved working with wood and doing special projects for the family. He was also an avid pool player. Claude was a gentle soul and loved by all.

Claude is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Virgene; grand-nephew, Dillon Gordon; and many aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his siblings Jim (Wanda) Engebretson of Kiester, Marcene (William) Moore of Mason City and Ruth King (partner, Jerry Trustem) of Empire, Colorado; sister-in-law, Selma Engebretson, of Albert Lea; uncle, Vernon Aske, of the Twin Cities; and many nieces, nephews and their families.