Ronald Engstrom

Memorial services for Ronald D. “Ron” Engstrom, 69 of New Boston, are Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Aledo United Methodist Church, with visitation one hour prior to services. Private family burial will be at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Martinsburg, Iowa, at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Aledo United Methodist Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo is assisting the family. Ron died on Monday, January 15, 2018 at his home.

Ron was born on March 2, 1948 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Jack William & Velma (McClung) Engstrom. He was a graduate of Ottumwa High School and of Augustana College, Rock Island, where he sang in the Augustana Choir. He married Diane Wagler Lueth on February 13, 2011.

Ron had worked in the Rock Island City Clerk’s Office, Downing’s Dairy, Swiss Valley Farms, Northwood Dairy Sales and Regalia Manufacturing. He was a member of the Aledo United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and served on the Finance Committee. He was a Certified Lay Speaker and had conducted services in several churches in lower Rock Island and Mercer counties.

Ron had served on the board of the Rock Island County Fair, serving last as Secretary. He had also served on several fair committees at the state and national level and was awarded the Hardee’s Fair Person of the Year Award as one of five national honorees in 2000.
Ron also wrote a column, Gone Racin’, for the Hawkeye Racing News in the 70’s and had participated as a driver and pit crew in a TQ midget in the 70’s.

Ron is survived by his wife, Diane; her children: Katie Lueth (Matt Walters) of North Liberty, IA and Brian (Brittannie) Lueth of Muscatine; Grandchildren: Izaiah Lopez, Nadiya Lopez, Lyric Lueth and Nora Walters; Brothers: Eric (Soni) Engstrom and Chris Engstrom of Davenport, IA; Sisters -in-law: Cindy Wagler (Bill Riley) and Lori (Bob) VanDyke and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.