Obituary of Robert R. Engstrom
Robert R. Engstrom
Robert R. Engstrom, age 98, passed away peacefully at his home in Shorewood, on Thursday, October 14, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born in Alpha, IL on September 29, 1923, the son of the late Otto William and Adelia (nee Rosene) Engstrom.
Robert grew up in Lockport, where he attended grade school and Lockport Township High School. He received an Engineering degree from Washington University in St. Louis MO. A WWII veteran, he served in the US Army Air Corps as a bomber crew member on B26 and B29 bombers.
Robert worked at Caterpillar-Joliet 32 years, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the Plainfield United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, a 69-year member of Plainfield Lodge #536 AF & AM, served two terms as Lodge Master, and one term as District Deputy Grand Master for the State of Illinois. Robert was a proud founding member of Plainfield Little League and instrumental in its development.
Robert enjoyed golfing. He was proud of his hole in one shot at Inwood. He had a good sense of humor, an outgoing personality and made friends easily. Robert loved spending time with family and enjoyed annual family reunions.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lodema (nee Buttram) Engstrom; his children, Russ (Kristin) Engstrom, Lynn (the late William) Locasto, Roger (Diane) Engstrom, Carol (Brad) Klett, and Mark (Amy) Engstrom; two step-children, Dan Eaton and Darlene Steffy; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Anna Conway; and sisters-in-law, Rita Johnson and Flo Young: Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Doris (nee Johnson) Engstrom; his parents; one grandson, Christopher Watson; two brothers, Kenneth (Marjorie) Engstrom and Herbert (Irene) Engstrom; and one sister, Marian Engstrom.
Funeral Services for Robert R. Engstrom will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. Interment will follow at Plainfield Township Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Masonic Services will be held at 7:00 p.m.
In accordance with the State of Illinois guidelines, face masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Plainfield United Methodist Church, 15114 Illinois St., Plainfield, IL 60544, would be appreciated.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
