Frances Ann Engelbrecht

frances engelbrecht

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Frances Ann (Renken) Engelbrecht, 89, of Eugene on Saturday, January 24, 2026.  

Frances was born July 22,1936, in Enon, Missouri the daughter of the late Edmond Oscar Renken and Celeste Ellen (Dawson) Renken.  

She graduated from Russellville High School in 1954. 

Frances received a diploma from CMSC in Warrensburg, Missouri on May 28,1958, with a major in English and Speech/Drama.

She married the love of her life, Curtis Engelbrecht on June 12, 1959, at Olean Christian Church.  

She taught at Tipton and Eldon, but most of her 32 years of teaching was at Russellville High School.  After her retirement, she taught part-time for 5 years at Tuscumbia High School. 

Frances enjoyed motivating her students, reading good books, composing poems, clearing brush at her house and studying the Bible. 

She is survived by her two sons, Craig (Kelli) Engelbrecht, Eugene; Jay (Sharon) Engelbrecht, Saint Augustine; five grandchildren, Madeleine (Kyle) Handley, Christian Engelbrecht, Katelyn Love, Jacqueline (Aaron) Kettler, Miles Engelbrecht; her siblings, Deloyce Barry, Gayle Renken, Elaine Morris; and sister-in-law, Jill Renken.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Curt; two brothers, Don and Keith; one sister, Janice Theroff; three brothers-in-law, Harold Barry, Danny Morris, Clyde Theroff; one sister-in-law, Janet Renken; and grandson in-law, Corey Love.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 30th at 1:00 p.m. at Ninth Street Christian Church in Eldon, Mo., preceded by a visitation for family and friends beginning at 11:30 a.m.  Burial will be held at Eugene Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Show-Me Christian Youth Home or Ninth Street Christian Church. 

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Russellville.    trimblefunerals.com

Services

Visitation: Friday, January 30, 2026 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Ninth Street Christian Church
1009 S. McKinley Drive
Eldon, Missouri 65026


Funeral Service: Friday, January 30, 2026 1:00 pm

Ninth Street Christian Church
1009 S. McKinley Drive
Eldon, Missouri 65026


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  1. Mrs Engelbrecht was the best teacher ever. Took every class I could with her in high school and reaped the benefits all my life. She was tough but made learning enjoyable with humor mixed in.
    My prayers and deepest sympathy to the family-
    Lisa Ousley Bates
    RHS 1978

  2. I looked up to Mrs. Engelbrecht as one of my Russellville High School english teachers. She was very easy going in her classes and you had to really listen as she was soft spoken as well. Her practical approach and humor earned my respect and remembrance of her so long ago in the 1960’s. Blessings to a beautiful lady moving onward in her journey.
    Lois Beck-Libhart
    RHS 1966

  3. I had Mrs. Engelbrecht at Russellville for four years of English and short story. She was my favorite teacher in high school and looked forward to seeing her and going to her class.
    RHS 1977

  4. Mrs Engelbrecht was the most wonderful teacher and the sweetest lady. I was blessed by her at Russellville in the 1980s. My best memory was doing the Three Rivers Essay contest with her encouragement and that Washington DC trip was life changing. Thank you for your many years of devotion to education

  5. Mrs. Englebrecht was my absolute favorite teacher in high school. She inspired so many students and touched so many lives with her wisdom, her kindness and her humor. I’ve thought about her often through the years!

  6. Sincerest condolences to Mrs. Englebrecht’s family. The graduation class of 1976 was honored to have her for English all four years. She made a tremendous impact on me and my future.

  7. Sincerest condolences to Mrs. Engelbrecht’s family. She was undoubtedly the best teacher at Russellville high school. She brought literature to life with stories, humor and her love of teaching and students. She was strict but fair. She was the reason I chose to be a teacher. She was loved by many, many students.

  8. I loved Ms. Frances like me caring for a family. She and I connected the first time we met and she made an impression on me. She strived to be perfect. She felt she was poor in spirit and was yarning for a deeper intimacy with the Lord. She was not satisfied with her spirituality. I am not sure I am describing it well but in my own words, she wanted to see the face of her Lord Jesus Christ. I love you, Ms. Frances and your smiles and faith will be dearly missed and cherished. All my condolences to the family and loved ones.

  9. Thank you Mrs. Engelbrecht.You gave me the courage to perfect my poetry and build me up when others did not.You being an amazing English teacher there is still not enough words to tell the world you were to so many students. Her family, I am sorry for your loss but I thank Jesus Christ for your life.

  10. One of my favorite teachers. I strived to be in any of her classes because she was sweet, humorous, and a good teacher. My condolences to her family. She’s always in her pupils memories! I was in her English class , drama class, and speech. Class of 68 was the year I graduated!

  11. When describing Ms. Engelbrecht to anyone, I would say if you look up teacher in the dictionary, her picture should be next to it. She challenged you to be your best. And made you want her to be proud of you. She will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to be in her classroom.

  12. She was the sweetest person and a great teacher. Always wonderful to see her at our reunions. She always made you feel special. She was the special one.♥️

  13. Mrs. Engelbrecht was one of the very best. I had 5 classes with her during my 4 years at Russellville High School. I’ve always thought of her whenever composing a letter etc imagining her looking over my shoulder.

  14. I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Engelbrecht. She was, without a doubt one of the best loved, most appreciated teachers of my high school years. I graduated from Russellville High School in 1968 and still take with me the love of English she instilled in me. I offer my sympathy and prayers to her family. I’m so sorry for your loss. She was much loved.

  15. So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Praying for you all for peace and comfort at this difficult time.

  16. Mrs. Engelbrecht! 💖 Such a wonderful, beloved teacher! She was a blessing to so many of us throughout her many years of devoted service. She was classy, intelligent, great sense of humor with an equally great laugh, she made true connections while building us up toward great expectations, making a difference with each class, each year. My sincerest condolences to the family and thank you for sharing her with all of us!
    Class of ’88

  17. Engelbrecht family, you have my deepest condolences. As you know, Mrs. Engelbrecht holds a special place in the hearts of so many people, students especially, in so many ways with energy and light and, from my learning experiences with her, as a guiding voice to make each word meaningful. She invested her life in helping us develop our skills and understanding for our benefit and that of the community. I will miss seeing her at basketball games and having lively and inspiring conversations. Many times, the old RHS gym was crowded with an audience to see the Fall One Acts and the popular spring plays Mrs. Engelbrecht directed. Her investment in her students and drama club brought kids together in a unique, endearing, and always entertaining experience. Mrs. Engelbrecht was a woman of so many talents and wisdom. She has a great family who continue to be a blessing to the community. We have been blessed by them all! Thank you.

  18. So blessed to know Mrs. Engelbrecht. Very thankful to have received her guidance and education that has helped carry myself and many into and through life. She seemed to move through the school day with a sparkle in her eye, a positive attitude and a one of a kind charm, felt by all she encountered. Amazing how one person can have such a huge impact on so many. . . thank you Mrs. Engelbrecht.
    To a truly Wonderful Family: Our Prayers and deepest condolences.

  19. When I think of teachers that influenced me the most in my education, Mrs. Engelbrecht would be at the top of the list. I loved her laugh, her smile and the way she communicated with her students with such enthusiasm. It was infectious and I always looked forward to her classes. Some of my best memories from RHS were made in drama class, plays and speech competitions. She influenced the lives of so many students and provided us with skills we would use for the rest of lives. Please accept my prayers and deepest sympathy. Fly peacefully into the night, Mrs. Engelbrecht. You were a good and faithful servant.


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