Gerhard Silas Engen, age 93 of The New Glarus Home, formerly of Blanchardville died early Tuesday morning, December 18, 2012 at the New Glarus Home. He was born on December 22, 1918 to Sever C. and Bertha (Eide) Engen. He grew up in Perry Township, Dane County, Wisconsin, and attended the Dixon rural school near Mount Vernon. Gerhard farmed in the Blanchardville area. He was married on September 28, 1946 in the Primrose Lutheran Church to Leona Salisbury. They farmed together for many more years until 1962 when they left the farm. They continued living in rural Blanchardville and Gerhard did some farming work and construction work until he retired. They moved to Blanchardville in 1982. Leona died on May 22, 1998. In retirement he enjoyed making hand-built from scratch model buildings. He also loved golfing and spending time with his friends at the coffee shop. He was a life-long member of the Primrose Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and his ability to speak Norwegian. Gerhard had a special wit and a great smile.

Gerhard is survived by one sister, Sylvia Moen of New Glarus; three sisters-in-law, June Salisbury, Lois Anderson, and Sheila Jansson; one brother-in-law, Gordon Salisbury; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Leona; a sister, Hazel Marie Engen who died as a child; and two brothers, Clarence and Raymond Engen.

A visitation will be held on Friday morning, December 21, 2012 from 9:30 until 11:00 AM at the Primrose Lutheran Church at 8770 Ridge Drive in rural Belleville. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the church. Pastor Nicole Espe will officiate. Burial will be in the Primrose East Cemetery in rural Belleville. A funeral lunch will follow at the church. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.