Greg's Obituary
Gregory John "Greg" Engebos of Prior Lake, MN, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at St. Francis Medical Center in Shakopee. Greg remained strong for years, having battled through a stroke in 2009 and used his star athlete fierce determination to fight the more recent challenges of cancer and mesothelioma. But sadly, his body could no longer perform what his will and mental strength would summon.
He was born on February 10, 1952, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Ralph and Betty Engebos. The second of three sons, Greg was blessed right from the start. As a young boy growing up in Green Bay, Greg loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting on the family's wooded property in Marinette County. He also honed his creative skills by working on many carpentry and building projects with his Grandpa John.
People will never forget Greg for his athleticism, speed, and toughness as he moved into organized sports, especially football and track & field. In addition, at Premontre high school, Greg displayed his leadership skills as captain of the varsity football team and senior class president.
He excelled as a halfback and defensive back and helped lead Premontre to the WI State Private School Championship in 1969. Greg was selected to the All Fox Valley Conference Team in his junior and senior years. His speed in track & field led him to State and Conference records in the 440 yd event. He anchored the mile relay team that set the State of Wisconsin and the school record he held for several years. He was also an accomplished pole vaulter, helping Premontre win the 1969 Wisconsin State Track & Field Championship.
In 1970, Greg received a Congressional Appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Greg played football for the Cadets but decided to transfer to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus after one year, where he received a full football scholarship.
Greg's Golden Gopher football career gave rise to highlight after highlight. A classic leader by example, his style of play in the Big Ten Conference set the standard for aspiring players on his teams and around the league. He was recognized as Big Ten player of the week on multiple occasions. Greg loved the game, his teammates, and the University of Minnesota, where he was elected defensive Co-Captain of the team in recognition of his leadership. Greg's impact as #47 will go down in Gopher football history as one of the best, toughest, and most intelligent defenders to "Run the Fields of Gold."
After college, Greg fulfilled a lifelong dream and signed a contract to play professional football with the Chicago Bears as a defensive back. However, an injury cut short his career in pro football. Greg moved on to a career as a sales representative for major companies IBM, Oracle, AON, and others. Greg excelled at selling leading-edge solutions across the Midwest, winning numerous top sales and President Club awards. Greg stayed in the Minneapolis area, finally settling on Prior Lake as his home. He lived on the lake for over 40 years and genuinely loved all the outdoor benefits it offered. He could frequently be seen on the lake fishing, waterskiing, landscaping, giving boat tours to his friends, or just enjoying the majestic lightning storms touching down on the lake.
Greg married Lori Frank of Minneapolis on September 24, 1993, and expanded their family with son Matthew in 1997 and daughter Makenna in 2000. Matt and Makenna were Greg's greatest joy, and he loved spending time with them and sharing his extensive knowledge about the outdoors, football, skiing, fishing, hiking, and using his hands to build things. His passion included visiting the family condo in Door County, salmon fishing in Lake Michigan, and spending time at his ranch in Athelstane, Wisconsin. In addition, he hunted, managed orchards, and enjoyed the property's beauty.
Following his tragic stroke in 2009, Greg was unable to work. However, with lots of support and encouragement from J. Marie Fieger, family, and many friends and the help of Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center, Greg gained his ability to walk and was able to live independently. Greg's passion for the outdoors could continue thanks to Capable Partners as they helped him fish and hunt. He also rode his three-wheeled bike around Lake Front Park whenever he could. He was an active Holy Trinity Methodist Church member and joined many of his fellow athletes in a Bible Study Fellowship group. Even though his disability left him physically challenged, Greg's mental strength enabled him to press on to live his best life given the circumstances.
Greg is survived by his children Matthew (25), Makenna (23), ex-wife Lori Frank all of Savage, MN and brother Clyde (Pat) Engebos of Green Bay, brother Steve Engebos of Green Bay, Niece Krystina (Dustin) Clark of De Pere, WI, and Nephew and godson Grant (Deborah) Engebos of Appleton, nephews Nick (Molly) Engebos of Orange Beach, Alabama and Nate (Rocio) Engebos of Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition, many cousins and friends will fondly remember him. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Betty Engebos.
Services for Greg Engebos will be held on April 14, 2023, at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church located at 16150 Arcadia Ave Prior Lake, MN, with visitation starting at 1:15 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 at Amira Senior Living, located at 5601 American Blvd. West, Bloomington, MN, includes a short program that begins at 4:00. Use the main entrance at the rear of the Amira complex.
The family would like to thank the St. Francis Regional Medical Center staff for their dedicated care. They were so caring and excellent as communicating with us and caring for Greg in his final days.
In place of flowers at the family's request, please donate to Capable Partners with Greg's name in the memo line at https://www.capablepartners.org/. or mail a check to PO Box 27664 Golden Valley, MN 55427. Greg had so much joy after his stroke hunting and fishing with them, and there is no better way to remember Greg than by supporting this fantastic charity.