Donald Engstrom

Don Engstrom passed away at the age 85, and at an age that he never expected to achieve because of his poor health throughout his life. He was afflicted with asthma and had many asthmatic attacks and hospitalizations, but he persevered to overcome these obstacles.

Donald Emmett Engstrom was born on March 24, 1936, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He passed away on April 15, 2021, in Provo, Utah. He grew up in Cheyenne, with many health problems, especially asthma. His parents could not plan anything with him as he would get too excited and then have an asthma attack and they would have to postpone this activity. However, he did have an enjoyable childhood and enjoyed playing many games with some neighborhood children. He enjoyed scouting but because of health issues, was unable to complete some required merit badges for the Eagle rank.

He graduated from Cheyenne Senior High School in 1954. During his senior year he had completed the necessary classes for college and so he was released the last two hours of school, He would walk to his parents’ ice cream and candy store. There he would wash dishes and clean up the kitchen. He also made the ice cream. After graduation, he along with three other friends went to Northwestern University studying Electrical Engineering. After two years, he was employed by Land Air in Cheyenne where he worked on fixing problems that the Inspectors found, and also worked with the paint crew. He then went on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in the Southern California mission. Because of his health, he spent most of the time in Tucson, Arizona, and the High Desert of California.

After his mission he went to Brigham Young University and graduated with a degree in accounting in 1963. Following his graduation, he was hired by BYU as a computer programmer/analyst. He worked for BYU for 38 years retiring in 2001. The first ten years was spent working on replacing the punch cards used to register students.

While working at BYU, he met a wonderful sweet young lady who was supervisor of key punching. Her name was Carolyn Lyons and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on February 14, 1964.

They were blessed with two sons, Emmett and Wayne, who as teenagers raced in BMX races. They traveled all over the west where they participated in races in six states. Don and Carolyn were actively involved in providing the races in Provo, Utah.

In 1974, Don and his family moved to Brazil for 17 months where Don worked for the data processing center for the state of Goiås. There were many fun activities and excursions that they did in Brazil including a boat ride down the Rio Araguaia. After returning to BYU, Don worked with financial systems, where he was able to use his accounting knowledge and skills.

After retiring from BYU in 2001, Don served a mission in the family research department for 2 1/2 years. There he was able to use his programming skills.

In 2004, Don and Carolyn served a mission in the Utah Provo Mission as an office couple. At this time they were able to meet young men and women from all over the world and it was an enjoyable time for them. After his mission, he was involved in family History serving in the Sunset Heights Family History Center. He became acquainted with Swedish records where he did Swedish research on his Swedish heritage and was able to help others with their Swedish heritage. He also served in various capacities in the Utah Valley Technology and Genealogy Group.

In 2014, Don and Carolyn moved to Courtyard at Jamestown Assisted Living because of their health issues. Here, they found much joy and happiness in participating in the many activities. They made many new friends and loved those directors, servers, and personal care assistants who took care of their needs. Don served as President of the resident’s association for six years.

Don was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of his adult years. Besides the missions, he has served as an assistant stake clerk, stake clerk, ward clerk, ward Sunday school President, stake executive secretary (including 19 consecutive years), bishop, and assistant director of a family history center. He had a testimony of Jesus Christ and tried to live his life in accordance with Christ’s teachings. He was grateful that throughout his life he was able to associate with wonderful and faithful people.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Emmett and Kim Engstrom, Grandson, Nick Engstrom, great-granddaughters, Emma and Abby Engstrom, his Sister Linda (Terry) Williams, his wife's siblings, Bonnie (Darold) Galloway, Nancy (Steve, deceased) Anderson, Bert (Mary Sue) Lyons, Diana (Dan) Kizerian, and a great many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn; his son, Wayne; his granddaughter, Brittany; his parents; his brother-in-law, Mike Rehart; his Sister-in-law, Marilyn Lyons.

Finally, the family would like to thank the staff at Courtyard at Jamestown for the wonderful care given to Don and Carolyn. It was a great place for them during the last years of life.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at the Cherry Hills Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints Chapel on 135 East 2000 South, Orem. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Wednesday prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery.

Please note that masks are required for in person attendance at church.

For those unable to attend the services will be stream via Facebook live at 11:00 a.m. by clicking the following link: http://www.facebook.com/sundbergolpinfuneralhome

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.