Joseph Frank Engstrom died on October 6, 2014 at Essentia Virginia Care Center.

Joe was born on July 16, 1926 in Eveleth MN to Hugo and Dulcie (Pryor) Engstrom.

He graduated from high school in Virginia in 1944 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served in Germany in the Army of Occupation. After the war he went to work for the Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway. He married Mabel Gulsvig on June 12, 1951. After marriage, they lived in International Falls until moving to Virginia in 1953.

Joe worked for the DWP for 44 years, retiring in 1991. Joe and Mabel moved to Ash River in 1985, where Joe did a long commute to work, and then to Mt. Iron in 2001. In 2011, he moved to the Virginia Convalescent Center. He enjoyed hunting and was passionate about fishing. He was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, was a founding member of the SMDC Foundation, enjoyed playing cards, building puzzles, and spending time with his grandson teaching him all of his fishing secrets.

Joe was preceded in death by the catch of his life, Mabel, in 2008, his parents, sister June Trygg, brother Hugh, and nephew Stanley Trygg.

He is survived by one son, John (Karen) of Chicago, IL, one daughter, JoAnn (Don) Sipola of Virginia, and one grandson, Matthew Sipola (Fiancée Hannah Hays) of Virginia, numerous nieces and nephews.

At Joe's request, there will be no funeral service.

The family wishes to thank the Essentia Virginia Care Center for the exceptional care given to Joe for the last 3 ½ years.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To express condolences on-line please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Per Decedent's Request - No Formal Services will be held