Frances Ann Engelbrecht
July 22, 1936 ~ January 24, 2026
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





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
Lois Beck-Libhart
RHS 1966
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
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
My condolences to Mrs. Engelbrecht’s family.
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.
Class of ’88
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.