Lori Lynn (Engel) Robinson
1959-2023
Lori Lynn (Engel) Robinson was born on August 24, 1959 in Wadena, MN. She was raised in rural Pipestone, MN, and graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Home Economics. Lori was a devout Christian, an avid gardener, and dedicated philanthropist. She married Ken Robinson on May 28, 2023.
Lori worked in various areas of Human Resources since 1983. She worked with Fortune 500 companies in the areas of aerospace, electronics, and telecommunications. In Oklahoma City, Lori founded Ultimate HR Ultimate Challenge providing outsourced HR to small businesses.
Lori had a large heart for children, serving on the boards of the Equine Therapy Center and Citizens Caring for Children. She was a trained speaker on “In Our Own Voice” for the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
On November 25, 2023, Lori joined her mother, Bernita Rieck, in heaven. She is survived by her husband Ken; father Larry (Barb) Rieck; brother Randy Rieck; son Joshua R. Engel; daughter Nita (Brett) Albrecht; granddaughter Clara Albrecht (4); Uncle & Aunt William & Marlys Winter; and several cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lori’s honor to Citizens Caring for Children or the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
A service to celebrate Lori’s life will be Saturday Dec. 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but are not able to. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
Lori was a sweet lady who I always enjoyed visiting with when our paths would cross.
My condolences to her family and all who loved her.
Lori was always helping someone without others knowing. She absolutely adored her children and grandchild. One of the happiest times of Lori’s life was when she met Ken. I pray for you all during this difficult time. RIP, Lori, you will be missed.
Lori was an amazing person and will be missed by all that knew her. One of her happiest moments was when she married the love of her life, Ken. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Lori you will be missed! Lori’s daughter Nita was my best friend in high school and I will never forget times spend at Nita’s house and how sweet Lori was. I’m glad she is no longer struggling and may she finally be at peace. Nita and Josh I’m so sorry for you loss!
Nita and Joshua, please accept my sincere condolences and know that I am praying for your family. May God give you peace and help you focus on all the good times spent with your mom. My daughter and I were lucky to have been connected with Lori and Nita. My daughter spent nights at Nita’s home and Nita stayed at our home at times when Lori traveled with her job. I remember Lori hosting pizza and holiday parties at her home for the teenagers. Her holiday decorations were beautiful and I’m sure she spent lots of time making holidays special for her children. Caroline loved having dinner with their family. Lori and I had a handful of conversations in person and by phone and I always found her to be very genuine, honest and someone who made me feel at ease. I wish I had more of those times to recall. She was so proud of our girls and they waited for their chauffeur for their senior prom. Lori was a positive light in this world that will be missed!
Lori was a wonderful neighbor and friend… a generous person who will definitely be missed.
Nita & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve known Nita for six years and I know her mother was always on her heart. I truly pray that peace finds you all as you read through the shared memories, look through pictures, and hear Lori’s name come up in stories. I hope you feel the love from others as you lean on those around you during this time.
My deepest sympathy to Lori’s family. We were classmates in Junior High and High School. She was always smiling and nice to everyone. You are in my prayers.
I have so many special memories of the times Lori and I spent together during our grade school years until the time I moved away from Pipestone. We have stayed in touch and been able to get together several times since. My heart is breaking but I know she is in a better place. My prayers to Josh and Nita. She was so proud of you both and she loved being a grandma to Claire. My sincere condolences to Lori’s entire family.
My sincere condolences to Lori’s family and friends. I went to school with Lori as well as First Lutheran Church in Pipestone. I have so many memories growing up, slumber parties, Church Bible Studies, Church Camp, our Confirmation and many more. Lori and I reconnected in 2021. She loved the Lord and we had many conversations about her love for the Lord, her family, her children, her granddaughter, her brother, her friends. She loved everyone! She was full of grace! She had the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known! She taught me a lot in these last years. I’m so happy she is with Jesus! God rest your sweet soul dear friend.
I had the pleasure of working for Ms. Engel in her latest position at Bureau Veritas. Lori was always kind, generous, and caring toward her employees and fellow staff members with both her time and her heart. What I will remember most about her is her smile and how comfortable she made everyone around her. She certainly helped a lot of us through difficult days and stretches and for that I will always be grateful.
Heaven gained a great soul. All of my heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and condolences to Ken and the Engel family. I know Lori is watching over all of us. RIP.
I worked with Lori. She was a wonderful and warm person, and was always helpful to me. I am so sorry that she is gone and I will miss her. Condolences to her family.