Lydia Klein Engebretson

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Engebretson, Lydia Klein The family of Lydia Klein Engebretson announces her passing on July 17. This was a beautiful, happy, satisfying life of 86 years. She was an enthusiastic supporter and guide to her four children, Rick, Ann, Mark, and Don, who are so grateful for their upbringing in a home filled with great affection, high expectations, trust, humor, and good grammar. She was a wonderful 65-year life partner to husband Don, who considers their time together building the Home and Garden Show business among the happiest of their lives. Lydia was a steadfast Christian Scientist, active for 50 years in her branch church in Excelsior. She was a fierce competitor on the tennis court and an original member of the Minnetonka Racquet Club. A loyal Pi Beta Phi, she and her mother drove from Winnipeg to Asheville, North Carolina for a national convention—in 1938! She loved the Minnesota Orchestra and was instrumental in the organizing of Listening House, an audience education program. For over 50 years she was a member of the Woman's Club of Minneapolis. She and Don are current members of the Lafayette Club. Very dear to her heart was her summer home on the family island in Minaki, Ontario. Her children and grandchildren thank her and Don every summer they spend there for the discovery and preservation of this uniquely beautiful place. Lydia was born in Minneapolis and raised in Winnipeg, where her father managed the Hudson's Bay Company department store. She graduated from Queen's University in Ontario in 1941, and met Don on a blind date en route home. She and Don lived most of their married life in the Deephaven and Wayzata areas. Last fall they moved to Friendship Village in Bloomington. In addition to her husband and children, she is loved and admired by the spouses: Jean, Mike, Carol, and Victoria; six grandchildren: Alex, Caroline, Andrew, Peter, Susan, and Elliot; brother, George Klein, and his four daughters. The family will hold a reception for friends on Tuesday, August 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Club, following a private family service. Memorials most appreciated to the Minnesota Orchestra or to Clifton House (3440 Beltline Blvd--Suite 102, St. Louis Park, MN 55416).

Published on July 22, 2007