John Enger

John Miles Enger, 87, rural Cummings, North Dakota, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Sanford Health in Fargo.

John Enger was born on February 28, 1935 in Halstad, Minnesota, to James and Elsie (Lervold) Enger. Shortly after his birth, the family settled in rural Cummings and began their farmstead. John was proud to have spent over 85 years on the farm. He attended Ervin #4 Country School and graduated from Hillsboro High School. John served in the US Army. He also worked as a foreman of a construction crew. However, he spent most of his working years as a farmer, raising small grains and edible beans. Upon retirement from his own farming, he continued to work for neighbors during harvest until the age of 80.

John was united in marriage to Sharon Strelow on November 16, 1975 at Highland Lutheran Church. Together they were blessed with two children, Rachael and David. John was a lifelong member of Highland Lutheran Church, and served on the Council and Cemetery board at the church. He also served on the Farmers Union Board in Cummings. John loved his farm and working in the yard, going to auction sales, and restoring antique buggies. He enjoyed having his morning coffee with “the boys”. Most of all, he cherished time with his family and anticipated the next time they would be together.

As his middle name suggests, John liked to say he has traveled many miles in his life. Among his favorite trips were Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, Israel, and Kenya (which was a life-long dream). After Rachael moved to Billings, Montana, he enjoyed several trips “out west” and explored the area, including a recent trip to Cody, Wyoming.

John is survived by his wife, Sharon Enger; his children, Rachael (John) Waller, Billings, Montana, and David (Kecia) Enger, Grand Forks, North Dakota; his grandchildren, Joseph and Grace Waller, Billings; his sister, Lois Smith, Hillsboro, North Dakota; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sidney and Julie Strelow, Adams, North Dakota, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents, James and Elsie Enger; his sister, Margie Krause; his brothers-in-law Gene Krause and Norris Smith.

Memorials are preferred to the Highland Cemetery Fund.