Hjordis Marie Engel

It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Hjordis Marie Engel, who left this world peacefully, on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the age of 83. 

Hjordis Marie Ferguson was born on February 21, 1942,in Rochester,MN to Irvin and Helen Ferguson. A proud Stewartville native, she graduated from Stewartville High School in 1960, where she was honored as Homecoming Queen. Following her graduation, Hjordis completed the Radiology Program at Bethesda Lutheran School in St. Paul and began her career at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, MN, where she worked until her marriage. Hjordis was the beloved wife of the late Richard (Dick) Lee Engel, marrying on December 5, 1964, at Zion Lutheran Church, Stewartville, MN.   Together, they built a home in Stewartville and raised five children: Duane, Toni, Bryan, Nichole and Leslie.  Hjordis was a cherished grandmother to nineteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and a loving sister, sister-in-law and aunt to many in the Ferguson and Engel families. Since marriage, Hjordis’ career has been housewife, mother and a CT Tech in the Radiology Department at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Hjordis worked at the Mayo Clinic for over thirty years working in X-Ray and CT, retiring September 10,  2001.       

 Hjordis was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church, Stewartville, MN.  Her life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for those around her. She was the heart of her family, always present with a listening ear, a gentle touch, and wise words. Her home was a haven for friends and loved ones, filled with warmth and laughter. She found joy in the company of her many friends, especially through her women's card club, Friends of the Library, Bible Study groups and the Red Hat Society. Hjordis treasured her time visiting with close friends and family, sharing stories, laughter, and love. Her friendships were deep and lasting, and she was always ready to lend a helping hand or a comforting word to anyone in need. Her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.

She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her—her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends whose lives she touched. Hjordis leaves behind a legacy defined by love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished. The Engel Family extends heartfelt gratitude to Arizona Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care and support, to our dedicated family caregiver Suzanne Guillory, and to Zion Lutheran Church for their long-time love, support, and ministry.

Hjordis is survived by 3 daughters and 2 sons; - Duane Engel of Spring Valley, MN, Toni (Jeff) Allhiser of Oronoco, MN, Bryan Engel of Stewartville, MN, Nichole (Cristian) Corniciuc of Cave Creek, AZ, and Leslie Engel of Stewartville, MN; 19 grandchildren - (Duane): Sarah Engel, Ashley Engel and Braden Engel; (Toni): Emily Allhiser and Colton Allhiser; (Bryan): Sean (Payton) Engel and Ariel Engel; (Nichole): Brenna Lien, Matthew (Katlyn) Lien, Cristian Corniciuc Jr, Darius Corniciuc, Keira Dalgren, Hailey Corniciuc, Kiley Corniciuc and Cristian George Corniciuc; (Leslie): Paul Engel, Mikayla Engel-Streicher (Sarah), Kathryn Bucknell and Brittany Engel; and seven great-grandchildren - Kayden Gustafson; Aysa Corniciuc; Maverick Allhiser; Eleanor Lien; Joie Lien; Elowyn Engel; and Jack Corniciuc.  One sister – Louise Mielke of Spring Valley, MN; Four sisters-in-law - Evelyn Carr of Spring Valley, MN; Joan Engel of Stewartville, MN; Mary Engel of Monroe, NC, and Barb Engel of Stewartville, MN.   One brother-in-law - Raymond Engel of Chatfield, MN; and a special cousin Karen (Deri) Nordsving. Hjordis was preceded in death by her husband Dick, her parents; two sisters, Carla Brandt and Lucille Weber; and a brother Roger (Flossie) Ferguson. Five brothers-in-law – Fred Brandt, Vernon Weber, Don Engel, Jerry Engel, Ed Carr; and Sister-in-law - Rosie Engel.

The funeral service for Hjordis will take place at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday(November 2,  2025) at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville with Pastor Tim Bowman officiating.  Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville.  A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 1:00 PM to the time of service at the church on Sunday afternoon. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville.  Condolences and memories of Hjordis are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com  The service can be viewed by live stream by going to Zion Lutheran Church's website at www.zion-stewartville.org  

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