April 29, 1931 – May 1, 2017
Funeral services for Robert “Bob” Engstrom were held on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Mike Orthel officiating. Burial was in East Lawn Cemetery with military honors provided by V.F.W Post #2541 and the American Legion Hagg-Turner Post #90 of Algona.
Robert Charles Engstrom was born April 29, 1931, in Algona, Iowa, the son of Henry and Camilla (Nelson) Engstrom. He attended school and later graduated from the Titonka High School. After his schooling he helped his family on the farm before joining the United States Navy. Bob served as an electrician on the USS Wright in the Korean War before his honorable discharge and returning to the Algona area.
On February 14, 1961, Bob was united in marriage to Louise Charlson at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. After their marriage Bob opened an electrical repair and appliance shop in Burt and the store was later moved to Algona. He was hired as an electrical inspector for the City of Algona. Bob later served as the Director of Public Works for Algona for 25 years, retiring in 1993. He also served as the Director of Civil Defense.
Bob enjoyed music and played the guitar, banjo and the mandolin. In retirement he and Louise started the Country Goodtimers Band that played at many of the local nursing homes. The band received the Governor’s Volunteer Award from Governor Branstad. He was a member of the Methodist Church.
Bob died Monday, May 1, 2017, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. He was 86.
He is survived by his wife, Louise Engstrom of Algona; children, Roberta and Thomas Durand of Marina, CA; Nancy Bahr of Ankeny; David and Ning Engstrom of Chester, NY; six grandchildren, Brian, Ben, Daniel and Sarah Struecker, Bradley and Tracy Bahr; two great-grandchildren, James and Easton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Elaine Deal and Mary Ann Beuthien.
Arrangements were handled by Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona. Condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.