Douglas Blair Engebretson, 76, of Belle Fourche died December 21, 2024 at his home with his loving wife and daughter by his side.
Doug was born January 11, 1948, to Otto and Berniece (Ballou) Engebretson. He grew up in Alzada, MT where he attended grade school and then graduated high school from Belle Fourche. For many years, in North Dakota, he worked on the oil rigs. After moving to Belle Fourche, he worked at Baroid and IMC.
For 25 years he traveled 5 states where he sold books to libraries. His interest in history saw him getting articles published in True West, Frontier Times and local publications. He was always willing to answer questions about local history.
In 1982, his book, Empty Saddles, Forgotten Names was published with a second printing in 1984 and then again in 2006. At the time of his death, he was nearing the completion of his book on the first 50 years of the Roundup.
In August 1978 he walked into the Belle Fourche Public Library and met Pat Collins. They were married in November and for the next 46 years they traveled and welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved the grands and great-grands.
He loved taking his own kids, grandkids, and great grands to the fish hatchery in Spearfish. Taking the 3 generations to the fish hatchery was special to him.
He is survived by his wife Pat; daughter Candace (Bert) Reynolds, Black Hawk; step-son Steven (Rae) Collins, Champlin, MN; Grandchildren Caitlyn (Karl) Vanderlugt, Jenna (Mike) Scott, Megan Seieroe (Troy Jensen), Paige Patterson, Madelyn Collins (Dakota Fossan), Ben Collins; and the great grandchildren that brought him joy, Taiven, Layla, Lilly, Harper, Briella Blair, Kelbie and Lainey; a brother in Arizona and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Otto.
Services were held January 4 at the Kline Funeral Chapel..
Memorials can be made to Heartland Home Health & Hospice (a big thank you to them for the care they gave) and the Belle Fourche Public Library.
An online guest book and video tribute is available at klinefuneralchapel.com
