Larry E. Engstrom

Larry Engstrom

1941 – 2026

Larry Engstrom, age 84, of rural Coyville, Kansas, passed away on January 16 at Morningstar Care Home in Fredonia, Kansas, surrounded by the love of his family.

Larry was born on December 11, 1941, in Fredonia, Kansas, to Roy and Wanda (Speaks) Engstrom. He grew up in rural Coyville and graduated from Coyville High School in 1959, where he made many lifelong friendships. Larry was known for his friendly personality, curiosity to learn, and determined spirit. He had a kind smile and a good-natured orneriness that many fondly remember.

Larry met his future wife through his good friends Junior and Delores Edens, who introduced him to Delores’s younger sister, Donna. Larry and Donna were married on September 18, 1965, and shared 59 years together before she passed in December 2024. Together, they raised three children, Jante, April, and Slade, and later cherished their roles as grandparents to Tucker, Hudson, Tessa, Marley, and Teagan. Larry treasured time spent with his grandchildren, forming close bonds through everyday moments and shared adventures.

Throughout his life, Larry worked in many occupations. He served as a county road and bridge supervisor and road grader operator, a telephone lineman, a DeKalb and Triumph seed dealer, and also as an airplane fuel technician at Chicago O’Hare Airport. He was a member of the Kansas National Guard, the Wilson County Old Iron Club, the Wilson County volunteer rural fire department, and labored on public works projects, including construction of El Dorado Dam, and was a skilled welder, known for his practical abilities and work ethic. Larry operated the Fredonia Alfalfa Mill for a time, and later owned L & D Feed & Grain with his wife, Donna.

Though his work took many forms, Larry was always a farmer and rancher at heart. Primarily raising Hereford cattle, he also had a beloved Longhorn bull named Herman. He loved his animals, took pride in growing crops and a garden, and felt at home working the land. His love of the land and animals carries on through his children and grandchildren.

In 2002, Larry suffered a stroke that left him physically limited, yet his determination didn’t waver. He lived through many difficult seasons with resilience and endurance. Guided by a principle he lived daily—“you do what you have to do”—Larry continued moving forward, meeting life with perseverance and grit.

On April 11, 2009, Larry and Donna were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses. His faith was an important part of his life and a source of comfort and peace for him and his family. Larry cherished the Bible’s promises for the future and held firmly to the hope of seeing loved ones again, healthy and whole.

Larry is remembered as a kind and caring man, tough and stubborn in the best sense, who never met a stranger and whose presence endeared him to others. In later years, Larry’s good-hearted teasing and playful, ornery nature earned him the affectionate nickname “Mr. Shenanigans”.

Larry is survived by his children Jante (Shelby) Conner, April Engstrom, and Slade (Jill) Engstrom; his grandchildren Tucker Engstrom, Hudson Brown, Tessa Engstrom, Marley Brown, and Teagan Engstrom; his brothers Jim (Val) Engstrom, Phillip (Debbie) Engstrom, and Gerald (Linda) Engstrom; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Engstrom, his parents, and his brother Bill Engstrom.

A visitation is planned from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 31, followed by the memorial service at 2:00 p.m., at Wickham Family Funeral Home in Fredonia. A Zoom option will be available for those unable to attend in person.

Memorials may be made in Larry’s memory to the Wilson County Old Iron Club, the Coyville Community Center, and the Fredonia Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and can be dropped off or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 N. 7th St., Fredonia, KS, 66736.