Lillian Engen McPherson

Lillian Engen McPherson passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023 in the presence of her beloved husband of 67 years, Charles McPherson. She had battled Alzheimer’s Disease for nearly a dozen years. She is survived not only by her husband but also by son Scott McPherson and his wife Nora (Vetsch) of Edina, MN and her children Yasmine Robinson of St. Paul, MN and Benjamin Robinson, of Two Harbors, MN; son Michael McPherson and his wife Amy (Fisher) of Christiansburg, VA and their children Sarah McPherson of Christiansburg and Maggie McPherson of Charlotte NC. Lillian is also survived by a sister, Wanda Citurs of Northwood, IA and nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Paula Engen, brothers Leland Engen, Edward Engen, Gerald Engen, (infant) and sisters Mildred Ehlers and Clara Engen (infant).

Lillian was a vivacious and outgoing person. She and her husband loved to travel, square dance, play board games and entertain family and friends. They are proud of their children and grandchildren. As a youth she was active in 4-H and won awards for designing and making her own clothes. She made use of such skills later as she made her own wedding dress. Lillian graduated from the Austin, MN high school and the University of Minnesota. Her career focused on education and development of children and youth. She was a leader of 4-H clubs and after college graduation worked in the Extension Service as a Home Agent. She and her husband married in 1956 and moved to suburban Washington, DC. After getting their children started in school she took a job as Director of Christian Education and Director of the Day School for St. Luke Lutheran church in Silver Spring Maryland. Under her leadership the Day School flourished and served an increasing number of children. In 1980 she and her husband moved to Raleigh, NC. While there she served as educational media specialist for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh. Here again she became a leader and was awarded Life Membership in the National Association of Catechetical Media Professionals.

There will be a memorial service for Lillian at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Christiansburg VA at a later date. Her remains will be interred at the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, MN. She planned much of her service. One of the notes in the service planning was “ I’m thankful for the wonderful life I’ve had here on earth. Thanks to you and God and the wonderful people that I have lived, worked, and played with during my life”. Memorial gifts may be made to Our Saviour Lutheran Church of Christiansburg, VA memorial fund or the St. Luke Christian Day School of Silver Spring, MD.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Roanoke is assisting the family.