John William Engstrom

John W. Engstrom, 90, of Hastings passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on October 5, 2022.

He was born December 15, 1931 to Harry and Gladys (Holmes) Engstrom in Hastings, Minnesota.

“Ink” played on the undefeated, Hastings High School football team of 1948 and graduated with the class of 1950. After graduation he attended a semester at Mankato State where he played football. John then enlisted with the United States Army and honorably served his country as a Ranger, Paratrooper, and was in the National Guard.

In 1953 John followed the girl of his dreams to California. On January 16, 1954, John married Mary Jean Rohr in San Jose. They later moved back to Hastings and together raised five children.

John was a third generation excavating contractor. He co-owned Husting & Engstrom Inc. and retired in 1997. “Ink” carried on his passion of collecting, restoring, and displaying historic construction equipment to his sons and grandsons. He recently bought back the first dozer he and Mary Jean purchased in 1960.

After retirement, John and Mary Jean continued to travel. They spent winters in Arizona with friends and family. John bought and sold golf cars, was a garage sale enthusiast, and spent many hours tinkering in the garage. He wrote in a daily journal since the 1960’s. John loved dogs and always had a treat to share. “Ink” had a love for mischief, would BS with anyone he met, and had a quick wit which was the cornerstone of many friendships.

John was a dedicated and passionate believer in camaraderie and the power of a team. He had a talent to always focus on the bright side of life. Football was a positive throughout his life, and he was loyal to the teams and people he met along his journey. He lived every day with a respectful attitude to accept others as they were. He strived and achieved to make his family and friends lives better. “Ink” created opportunities for many people and his insurmountable positive energy will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Jean; children Steve (Tammy) Engstrom, Mike (Valerie) Engstrom, and Kristin (Mark) Flora; grandchildren, Jeff Engstrom, Taylor Engstrom, Jonathon Engstrom, Laura Engstrom, Lindsay (Josh) John, Dillon Flora, Jackie (Jonathan) Loose, Kevin (Ashley) Engstrom, Anna Engstrom; great-grandchildren, Allisyn, Liam, Maya, Jacob, Aleiah, Lydia, Stella; sister-in-law, Darlene Engstrom and other relatives and cherished friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kurt Engstrom; daughter, Mary Sue Engstrom; 2 brothers, Harry (Phyllis) Engstrom, and Robert “Butch” Engstrom.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Hastings Family Service or donor’s choice.

Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Tuesday, October 11 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel. Memorial service will be 11:00 am Wednesday, October 12 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Hastings Family Service or donor's choice.