Jeffrey Engbretson Obituary

Jeffrey Engbretson
January 18, 1952 - March 17, 2022
Fair Oaks, California - Jeffrey Lee Engbretson, 70, of Fair Oaks, CA, passed away on March 17, 2022, ending an awful battle with brain cancer.
Jeff was born January 18,1952 in Enid, Oklahoma to Gus and Leona Engbretson. Upon his father's retirement from the U.S. Air Force, the family moved to and set down roots in Sacramento, CA. Jeff attended and graduated from Mira Loma High School in 1970.
Jeff had a tireless work ethic which began with his childhood paper route and babysitting jobs and continued throughout his career in the automotive industry working at Victory Import Auto Parts and Central 4 Wheel Drive. He was regrettably unable to enjoy his retirement from Lehr Auto Electric that began in the summer of 2021 as it was unfortunately cut short by the unexpected brain cancer diagnosis and ensuing treatment.
Despite his responsible nature, Jeff was very adventurous and a bit mischievous too. He was certainly known to get into some trouble as a young man all in the name of fun. His love of everything that goes fast and his mechanical prowess not only influenced his career in the automotive industry but was also reflected in his passion for motorcycles, cars, and racing. Jeff worked as his friend David's mechanic on the motocross circuit and was his buddies' go to guy when it came to rebuilding their dune buggy engines.
In fact, Jeff was a real "jack of all trades" and had the tool to fix most anything. He loved to tinker away in his garage on his own projects but was always the first to offer his help to others with anything that required fixing. He had a wealth of knowledge and a natural know-how and was the source of sound advice for many. When he wasn't toiling away in his garage he could often be found tending to his garden or testing out a new recipe in the kitchen. Every springtime Jeff prepared new baby tomato plants from seeds that he shared with family and friends. He was also known for his love of a good spicy taco and his delicious barbecued ribs.
Anyone who knew Jeff well, however, understood that his true passion was for the great outdoors and waterfowl hunting. He was a true lover of the beauty of nature and was a lifetime member of the California Waterfowl Association. He spent the majority of the year planning and preparing for the winter duck hunting season, making sure every detail from the decoys to the evening meals was just right. Aside from the actual duck hunting itself, one of Jeff's favorite places to be was beside the campfire at his duck club with a cocktail in his hand trading stories with his brothers/best friends John and Mike and the other members of the club. In fact, a fireside get-together of any kind with friends and family was right up Jeff's alley whether it be in the high desert after racing dune buggies or in the comfort of home by the fireplace with his grandchildren.
Jeff is survived by his close-knit, loving family that will miss him very much. He was married to Christine, his partner and the love of his life, for over 46 years. Their daughters Richele and Kimberly always felt their dad's love and support and will certainly miss his enveloping hugs and silly sense of humor. His daughters' husbands Sal and Giacomo were the sons he never had and they were always eager to learn from their father-in-law. Jeff's grandchildren Luca, Mila, Ruby, and Ada (and another on the way) certainly brought a brighter sparkle to his eyes and filled his heart with pride and joy. Jeff also leaves behind five siblings, Gus, John, Mary Jo, Michael, and Michele along with their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews. Last, but not least, Jeff is survived by his loyal black lab Skye who was by his side to the end.
In lieu of a traditional funeral service, a celebration of Jeff's life will be held at the family home in Fair Oaks, CA on Saturday April 30, 2022 from 2-6pm. Family and friends are welcome to come share stories and remember what a special man Jeff was to all who knew him. Please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or the California Waterfowl Association in Jeff's name.