Asbjorn Ozzie Engen

Asbjorn Engen, affectionately known as "Ozzie", 90, Bismarck, formerly of Williston, passed away September 20, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Society, Bismarck, ND. A private memorial service will be held. Cremation has taken place. Asbjorn was born February 10, 1921, to Kristian and Syverine Hovde Engen at North Aurdal Valdres, Norway. He was baptized at the North Aurdal Lutheran Church and confirmed at Skrautval Lutheran Church. Asbjorn received his elementary education in Fagernes and attended the Oslo Technical Institute for two years learning the construction trade. While a youth in Norway, he became well-known for his ski jumping ability. He traveled extensively throughout the region participating in ski jumping events and was considered to be of Olympic caliber. Asbjorn at the age of 23 served in the Norwegian military following WWII. The ravages of WWII left Norway destitute, prompting Asbjorn to immigrate to the United States in 1951. He lived with this Uncle Olaf Hovde and family in Arnegard, ND, which is where he met his future bride, Selma Skari. They were married on June 25, 1955, at First Lutheran Church in Williston, ND. After arriving in the United States, he and his cousin Oliver Hovde built several homes together. In 1955, he started working for Schmitt Construction Company. In 1956 he went to work for Tommy Culpepper and for the next 17 years, they enjoyed a close working relationship building many of the homes in Williston. In 1973, he formed his own construction company until his retirement in 1983. However, retirement wasn't in Ozzie's vocabulary, and when called upon, did many remodeling jobs. His favorite pastimes were fishing and hunting, and many days you would find him on the shores of the Missouri River or in the Badlands of ND. His children fondly remember times spent camping and boating. He taught his children to be self-reliant and instilled in them a strong work ethic. He was a member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church and a crew foreman for the Builders for Christ of the American Association of Lutheran Churches having participated in building mission churches in Manvel, ND, Yuba City, CA, and two phases of a Christian Day School in Elk Grove, CA. Those grateful to have shared his life are his wife of 56 years, Selma Engen, Mandan; one son, Stein Engen, Casper, WY; four daughters, Beth Steve Tofte, Casper, WY, Karen Dr. Thomas Swanson, Bismarck, Ann Jeffrey, Las Vegas, NV, and Lisa Dr. Curtis Sanford, Minneapolis, MN. Ozzie's pride and joy were his 13 grandchildren, Kelsey Jason Fox, Bryn Lars, Kari fiancé, Matthew Feller, Kjersten Tofte, Matthew, Haley and Samuel Swanson, Alaina Dustin Eikom, Alicia Wesley Williams, Nathan and Eric Jeffrey, Abbey Engen and Grayson Sanford. Ozzie also had eight great-grandchildren, Parker Fox, Halley and Korma Lou Eikom, Atreyu and Marilyn Westphal, Weston and Aleeya Williams and Jordan Jeffrey. He is also survived by his brother, Knut Engen, Fagernes, Norway; his sister, Anna Lauritzen, Moss, Norway; his cousins, Anna Drangsholt and Geneva Price and numerous nieces and nephews, both in the United States and Norway. Ozzie was preceded in death by his parents, Kristian and Syverine; and his sisters, Signe and Petra. Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army, 601 South Washington Street, Bismarck, ND 58504-5465.

Asbjorn Ozzie Engen

February 10, 1921 - September 20, 2011