Bryan Engstrom

Bryan Fred Engstrom passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025. He was born as the only child to Fred and Beatrice (Bystrom) Engstrom on May 21, 1939, in Ashland, Wisconsin. He attended high school at Ashland High School graduating in 1957, and met Darlene Anderson Engstrom during his senior year. He went on to study and graduate from UW Stout in 1964 with a degree in Industrial Technology. He joined a fraternity there and met many lifelong friends.

 Bryan and Darlene were married on August 26, 1961, and celebrated 61 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in 2022. They were a shining example of true love, devotion, and commitment to their family. Amy Jill Engstrom Reilly was born on July 6, 1966, and Lisa Joy Engstrom Jermain was born on June 11, 1968. Bryan worked at US Steel in Waukegan, Illinois, and then took a job with Fabri-Tek in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where Amy was born. In 1967, they moved to Neenah, where he became employed with American Can Corporation. In 1970, he took a job with Banta Corporation, where he worked until his retirement in 2002. He had a very successful career at Banta and was the key engineer in launching Trivial Pursuit. He and Darlene have lived in Neenah since 1967, except for a few short years in Reno, Nevada.

 Bryan was kind, generous, and fiercely devoted to his family. He was the ultimate champion of his five grandchildren and never missed a show choir competition, concert, musical, volleyball game, karate tournament, or soccer match. He loved stock car racing, camping, fishing up north and in Canada, riding his motorcycle, traveling, reading, and driving his little red sports car. He has been on 41 cruises, visiting over 60 countries and almost all 50 states. He was very involved in his church, Gloria Dei Lutheran church, and was a man of great faith, even volunteering for several mission trips abroad. He also loved going to the YMCA every day to work out and meet with friends for coffee and conversation.

 After Darlene passed away, he was fortunate to meet Dee Sim, who became an incredible companion and travel partner. He so enjoyed his later years with her, especially riding in Little Red, his sports car, and going out for dinner.

 Bryan is survived by his two daughters: Amy Jill Engstrom Reilly (Steve Reilly) and Lisa Joy Engstrom Jermain (Patrick Jermain). He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Patrick Johnston, Megan Reilly, Madelyn Reilly, Ethan Jermain, and Luke Jermain, in addition to a great-grandchild, Elliot Frederick Johnston, named after him and born on the day of his passing. He is predeceased by his wife, Darlene Joan Anderson Engstrom; and his parents, Fred and Beatrice Engstrom.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1140 Tullar Road, in Neenah, WI, on Saturday, October 18th with the visitation beginning at 9:30 AM and the service following at 11:00 AM.

 The family would like to thank all of the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at ThedaCare Hospital and the staff at Rennes Health and Rehabilitation Center for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Endowment Fund at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the YMCA of the Fox Cities, or the charity of your choice.