Waldo Engen Remme

Waldo Engen Remme, 90, passed away Aug. 1, 2013.

He was born Dec. 23, 1922, in Kenneth, Minn., to Carl Gunder Remme and Anna Marie Engen. He grew up in Luverne, graduated from high school there and played football. He joined the Navy in 1942 and received his commission as Ensign and Pilot in May 1944. He flew PBMs in World War II flying over Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

In 1945 he married Grace Bruns and they had four sons, David, Richard, James and Steven. In 1951, they moved to Alaska from Minnesota, where he took a job with Pacific Northern Airlines and ended his airline career retiring from Western Airlines after 25 years.

In 1977, he married Marsha Courtright and their daughter Sarah Anastasia was born in 1981. In 1992, he built a log home in Wasilla, finished the inside and lived there until his passing with Marsha and Sarah.

Waldo enjoyed hunting and fishing when he was able, loved carpentry and tinkering in the garage. The last few years he enjoyed watching the ducks fly in while he sat in his chair with his little dog Emma. He was a Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoyed Sunday/Monday Night Football. He liked word search puzzles and playing games of Rummy on wintry nights. He also enjoyed a good game of pool and dancing to an old tune. He had fond memories of growing up on the farm in Minnesota and always had a story to tell.

People who knew Waldo remember him to be the most kindhearted man. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone and was there to lend a hand to friends and family with any kind of project. He was generous and caring, happy and ready to tell a joke. He had the unique ability to make you smile and laugh regardless of the situation. Waldo’s nieces and nephews have fond memories of him building forts with them. He was everyone’s favorite “uncle” or “brother-in-law.” He was willing to fix a toy or build doll furniture. He left a large footprint in the lives of people who knew him.

Surviving are his two sisters, Coral Varner, Alice Challberg; four sons; daughter; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Waldo did not want a service. The family will have a private gathering at a later date.