Phyllis Lucille Engstrom

Phyllis L. Reck Engstrom, beloved wife & mother, nurse, aunt, and friend, died October 31, 2022. Phyllis Engstrom was born to Elmer and Sarah (Manthei) Reck on June 29, 1932 at the Reck farm in rural Kennedy, Minnesota. When she was six, after completing 6 weeks of first grade in a country school in Kittson County, the Reck family moved to rural Buffalo Lake, MN, where Phyllis continued her education. She was a cheerleader and graduated as valedictorian of her class at Buffalo Lake High School and continued her education at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Public Health. At the University, on a very snowy night, she met Robert Engstrom at a winter mixer when her date was unable to navigate the snowy conditions. Phyllis completed her degree with high honors and she and Bob were married September 4, 1954. She worked as a nurse while Bob finished college. The Engstroms traveled to Ft. Lee, Virginia for Bob's ROTC Army training and Phyllis was employed by Petersburg General Hospital. While stationed at Ft. Lee, VA they toured many historic sites, including Williamsburg and Jamestown. Later she did public health nursing, visiting families in the Philips Neighborhood of Minneapolis. Later, she was a school nurse in the St. Louis Park district at Aquilla and Cedar Manor schools. At Minnehaha Academy, she served as a volunteer nurse. Phyllis considered her faith life to be very important. It was at Camp Koronis and at Zion Evangelical United Church in Buffalo Lake that her strong faith was formed. Her parents and siblings were also influential in the creation and growth of her faith. Always an active member of her church, she was a Bible Study Fellowship member and leader when BSF first came to the Twin Cities. She was a great listener, always showing concern for her friends and family members and the elderly. Her love and compassionate heart were an encouragement to many. The Engstroms were blessed with three sons, Thomas, John and Paul. Phyllis was a nurturing mother, educator and mentor to her sons. She and Bob instilled the Christian faith into their children at a very early age. Phyllis was a faithful soccer/hockey mom, often keeping track of equipment as Bob coached youth soccer. When the boys were of school age, Phyllis spent countless hours at soccer, hockey and baseball games. For many years, Phyllis was a director of the finance department at the family residential development business, Robert Engstrom Companies. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert Engstrom, sons Tom (Niki) and grandchildren Luke, Lila, Adeline, and Zeb of Charlotte, North Carolina; John of New Prague; and Paul of Edina. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer & Sarah Reck, siblings and their spouses: Erma (Wayne) Chadbourn, Floyd (Carrie) Reck, Wesley (Lois) Reck, Lilah (Kermit) Hubin, and Mavis (Dale) Thompson, nephew Brian Thompson, and infant son Paul Stephen. Funeral service Friday November 4, 2022, 11:00. Hope Presbyterian Church, 7132 Portland Avenue South, Richfield, MN. Visitation Thursday November 3, 5:00-7:00 Washburn-McReavy Chapel 5000 West 50th Street, Edina and one hour prior to the service. Memorials to Hope Presbyterian or the Robert and Phyllis Engstrom Donor Advised Fund. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Phyllis Lucille Engstrom

June 29, 1932 - October 31, 2022

Tributes

Phyllis Lucille Engstrom

June 29, 1932 - October 31, 2022

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