DuWayne Robert Engelstad, 90, of Niesville, MN passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026 at Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

DuWayne was born on May 21, 1935 in Nielsville, Minnesota to Oscar and Edythe (Ruthenberg) Engelstad.

At the age of 7 DuWayne started working in the field, which began his long love and great passion for farming. After graduating from Climax High School, he continued farming and joined the National Guard. It was after this he found his love for racing. Throughout the 1950s and 60s he owned many race cars and spent many days and nights racing at the River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND. Eventually he was inducted into the River Cities Hall of Fame. As a young man DuWayne enjoyed dancing, no matter where a dance was at he was there.

DuWayne and Yvonne bonded over a love of dancing. On March 23, 1957, he was united in marriage to the love of his life Yvonne Einess at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN. From this union they welcomed two children, Darin and Kristi. The couple lived on their Hubbard Township farm which they would grow into a vast farming operation. Racing became a family affair, passing his passion onto his son. DuWayne and Yvonne also loved traveling together which they shared with their children and grandchildren. They spent many summers at their lake homes where you could always find DuWayne watching NASCAR on Sundays while also looking out at the lake. When the cold winter months approached, DuWayne and Yvonne would often spend their time on the warm beaches of Hawaii. The couple began traveling to Hawaii in 1974 where they met many new friends and enjoyed the beautiful scenery any chance they could, often playing cards and dominoes in the evening. Being an avid fan of racing, he made annual trips to Daytona, Florida to attend NASCAR events.

DuWayne was an outgoing and chatty individual who was quick to start up a conversation with anyone. It was rare to find him at home as he loved to drive around checking fields, running errands for the farm or getting some of his favorite donuts. He visited frequently with friends and fellow farmers, sharing stories and reliving memories. As much as DuWayne loved people he loved his dogs more. He always had his faithful furry friends wherever he went with a pocket full of treats just for them.

DuWayne leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, passion for travel, and fond memories.

He is survived by his son, Darin (Kaylin) Engelstad; daughter, Kristi (James) Bowling; grandchildren, Kyli (Jaden) Altepeter, Grace (Hunter) Jones; great-grandchildren, Brooks, Elliott, Cal Altepeter, Flora Jones; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne; parents, Oscar and Edythe Engelstad; sister and brother-in-law, Judith (Bernard) Semeling; special friend Gail Watnemo.

DuWayne's family will celebrate his life with a funeral service on Friday March 20, 2026 at Shelly Marsh River Lutheran Church beginning at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held on Thursday March 19, 2026 at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a prayer service to begin at 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials in DuWayne's name go to your favorite Animal Rescue or the American Cancer Society.

Friends and family are encouraged to wear blue jeans and a blue shirt to honor the memory of DuWayne.