Dolores A. Engelstad

Dolores A. (Paulsen) "Dede" Engelstad, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 2, 2024. She was 90 years old. She was the oldest daughter and child of Art and Agnes (Quale) Paulsen, born in Watford City, ND and raised in Bismarck, ND. Dede finished her two-year college with honors and went on to graduate from University of North Dakota in 1956. She was part of a talented ukelele trio as well. She was awarded the title of Miss North Dakota in 1954. She had not entered the contest but a photographer for the swim suit competition noticed her as the lifeguard and asked if she had a talent. She played her violin and the rest was history. Dede began her career as a teacher of English and Speech at Orono High School. She would serve and ultimately lead the school board many years later. The next phase of her varied and successful career included owning and operating three high end toy stores, Tinkerbell, in Wayzata and Rochester. She provided employment for all three of her children as well as many of their friends. Dede closed out her career in residential real estate until they moved to Rio Verde in 1994. Family was everything to Dede. She and Bob have been married over 66 years. Prior to moving back to Wayzata, they spent 20 years of winters in Rio Verde, AZ and summers in her favorite place, Hayward, WI on beautiful Lac Courte Oreilles. Even as dementia set in over the last 10 years, she always expressed how much she loved her life and Wayzata. She set an example that taught her sons and daughter that women could have a great career and still be a fantastic mom. She made holidays and even everyday family gatherings special. She spent many hours with her granddaughters doing nature hunts, 'wild pig hunts' and baking cookies. She will be greatly missed. Dede is survived by her husband, Bob, her daughter, Tami (Mark) Kozikowski, her two sons Rob (Sondra) and Rich (Jeanette), her three granddaughters Kendall, Lauren and Alex, and her sisters Barbara (Peterson) and Gracie Paulsen. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Gary and Tom Paulsen. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 7, 2024, at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447. Visitation with the family, 10:00 a.m. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to COLA (Courte Oreilles Lake Association) or Presbyterian Homes Foundation - c/o Dolores Engelstad Memorial. www.davidleefuneralhome.com