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Roberta (Bertie) Ann Engebretsen, age 84, passed away peacefully in her Washington home on Friday, September 2, 2022 with her family by her side.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Nelson Engebretsen, her sister, Beverly Hizer Turner and her parents, Jack and LaVergna Dunlap.

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Bland (Rick) of Brevard, NC and two sons, Steve Engebretsen (Teresa) of Durham, NC and David Engebretsen (Kimberly) of Greenville, NC. She also leaves behind grandchildren, Aaron Bland (Katie), Jake Engebretsen, Grant Engebretsen (Hailey) and Makayla Smith, great grandchildren Lily and Townsend Bland, Kennedy Engebretsen, sister-in-law Barbara Hall and several nieces and nephews. She also had a loving cat, as well as many dear friends.

She was a loving and kind mom who was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She loved having her family visit and they always knew there would be homemade cookies or fudge in her house.

She was born in Harrison, NE and graduated from Sioux County High School. She married the love of her life, Nelson, in 1956. They lived in western Nebraska until moving to Aurora, NC in 1970. She worked at Texasgulf/NC Phosphate for many years primarily in the Engineering and Environmental Services offices. After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, volunteering and playing cards with friends.

She had a beautiful singing voice and always enjoyed singing in her church choir as well as in a trio with friends in Nebraska.

A visitation will be at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington on September 30, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Grace Church in Washington, NC on October 1, 2022 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Grace Church, PO Box 2505, Washington, NC 27889 or the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina, 3520 Tupper Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Engebretsen family.