WA - Lillian "Lil" (Grode) Engen passed peacefully in her sleep on October 2nd 2025, at Village Green Senior Living in West Seattle, WA at the age of 96. Lil was born in Butler, SD, to parents Barbara (Bierschbach) and Peter Grode on January 2, 1929.

She grew up on the family farm west of Butler with her parents and six older brothers. After graduating from Bristol High School, she moved to Minneapolis to attend the Minnesota School of Business. Upon completion of her degree, she worked at the Northwest National Bank of Minneapolis.

Lil married Harley Engen on September 5, 1953. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Seattle, WA, where Harley was hired as a Boeing airplane mechanic. They settled down to raise their four children close to St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, where they became longtime parishioners.

Lillian was a woman of many hobbies and interests throughout her life, including gardening, sewing, cribbage, baking, cross stitch, camping, clam digging, bunco, building puzzles, watching the Mariners, and spending time with her family.

After Harley retired, they bought a park model in Sun City AZ, happily taking up the Snowbird lifestyle.

Harley passed away on October 6th, 2014, one month after their 61st wedding anniversary. In 2019, Lil moved to Village Green Senior Living in West Seattle. There, she enjoyed exercise classes, card making, scenic van rides, special outdoor dinners, and musical events.

Lil is survived by her son Gary Engen, daughters Ann (Glenn) Wallace, Julie (Jerry) Allmaras, and Patti (Mike) Fox, brother, Ray Grode, eleven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harley, her daughter-in-law Molly Engen, and her brothers: Jim, Fred, Norb, Walt, and Ralph Grode.

The funeral will be held at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church on November 10th at 11am, and she will be laid to rest with Harley at Tahoma National Cemetery.

Lil's family would like to thank the Village Green staff, Signature Healthcare, and Gentiva for all the kindness and care they showed her in the last years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to say a prayer, build a puzzle, plant a garden, share a smile, visit a park, or walk on a beach in memory of Lil.

To view the online obituary, share memories of Lil, and for more information about funeral arrangements, visit www.bonneywatson.com/obituary/lillian-engen/