Kenneth Rodger Engstrom went to be with his Lord Jesus peacefully on December 4, 2002.

Ken was born on September 6, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois, to Eric and Hazel Engstrom. Ken’s early years were spent in Chicago, Illinois, where he attended Wilson Junior College prior to entering the U.S. Army in 1943.

He was trained in the Army Specialized Training Corps and served the 26th Sig. Co. Americal Division during World War II.

He was a communications chief and served in the Asiatic-Pacific campaign and then in the Japan until discharged in 1946.

After the war, he married the love of his life, Doris Larson in 1947. She remained closet friend, confidant, love and companion until his death.

He graduated from Rose Hulman Institute with a BEE degree and later received a MBA from the University of Chicago where he designed the beam for the Empire State building.

He than worked as manager of the power plant in Zeeland, Michigan.

He moved with is family to Seattle, WA, in 1962 and worked for Boeing Co., as a supervisor in the Renton plant until 1972.

One of his accomplishments there was the electrical design for the Vandenberg Air Force Base. The family moved to the Tri-Cities in 1972 where Ken was director of facilities for 2 ½ years for Richland and then thoroughly enjoyed his position as manager of the Franklin County PUD until his retirement in 1998.

Ken and Doris had four children, Judith Helbing of Kirkland, WA; Jeanne Poole of Edmonds, WA; Kenneth G. Engstrom, currently of Bogota, Columbia and Christine Engstrom of Washington, D.C. There are five grandchildren, Heidi and Mark Helbing and Sarah, Elizabeth and Daniel Poole.

His children and grandchildren were the light of life. His family also included his son-in-law Thomas Helbing and Jeff Poole; daughter-in-law, Nancy Engstrom, all of whom he loved as his own.

In retirement, he served the community as a volunteer tax coordinator, was a member of SCORE and reached out to many members of his community and church as mentor and friend.

Hobbies he enjoyed throughout his life were salmon fishing out of Illwaco, narrow gauge railroad collections, crossword puzzles, his pets and visits with his friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Dechene and his parents.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister, June Nowlin and family and brother-in-law, Walter Dechene and his family. Ken will always be remembered for his faith in God, humility, heart of a servant, wry sense of humor, brilliant mind, wit and unconditional love for his family.

Christian interment is at Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors.

A memorial service in honor of Kenneth R. Engstrom will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Friday, December 13, at 1 p.m.

Remembrances may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran School.