Doris Mae Fehr Engelhart

Doris Fehr Engelhart, 95, passed away peacefully on March 20th, just a few weeks before her 96th birthday. She was born May 4, 1930, in Fargo, North Dakota, to John Elias Conrad Fehr and Frances (Glass) Fehr.

She had an idyllic childhood with loving parents, grandparents, siblings, and cousins. Doris spent every summer filled with adventures at the family cabin on Washburn Lake (Minnesota). At Fargo High School, she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, active in theater, and honored to be chosen "Most Representative Girl." While at Hamline University she was a member of Alpha Phi Theta Society, the Aquatic League, National Collegiate Players, Kappa Delta Epsilon, Modern Dance, and a member of the Homecoming Court.

While a freshman at Hamline, Doris met Kerwin Engelhart in a science class, and they were married in Fargo on June 9, 1951. They would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary this summer. They had two daughters, Paula, and Lisa.

After college, Doris joined Kerwin at his United States Air Force posting in Japan where they savored the opportunity to meet residents, ride bicycles in the mountains, and learn about the local culture.

After returning to the States, they lived in Glencoe, Forest Lake, and Stillwater, before moving to Rochester where Kerwin was hired at John Marshall in 1960 as a teacher and coach. Over the years, Doris was a substitute teacher, led the education program at the Olmsted County Historical Society, and worked at specialty stores. Family life was centered on school and sports. Doris was at every game throughout Kerwin's career and, well into their 90's, they continued to follow boys and girls high school sports.

Doris was very involved in community activities, including as a volunteer at Christ United Methodist Church (where she and Kerwin were members for over sixty-five years), the Civic League Day Nursery, and Ronald McDonald House. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished many family memories from her long and vibrant life. She treasured the camping adventures shared with her young family as they explored the United States and Canada, including attending the Pan American Games in Winnipeg. In later years, Doris loved relaxing with family at their cabin in Wisconsin. She was always grateful that she and Kerwin were able to enjoy several trips to Europe.

Doris is survived by her daughters Paula and Lisa (Jerry O'Brien); granddaughters Melissa O'Brien and Lara Manor (Doug Manor); and great-grandchildren Declan and Alice Manor.

She was predeceased by her mother, Frances (Glass) Fehr, her father, John Elias Conrad Fehr, her sister, Mary Fehr Phillips, and son-in-law Karl Gensheimer (Paula's husband).

The family extends its deep gratitude to the many Mayo Clinic and Hospital caregivers over the years, including Mayo Hospice. Doris donated her body to the Mayo Clinic Body Donation Program.

Private family services will be held at a later date. The family asks for no flowers and that any memorials be to the Thrive General Fund at Christ United Methodist Church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Engelhart family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.