Edward Kenneth Engstrom, III

Edward Kenneth Engstrom III "Ken" was born May 21, 1951 in Portland, Oregon the first of three children of Edward Kenneth Engstrom Jr and Gladys Pauline "Paula" Moffet Engstrom. In middle school Ken played the trombone in the marching band. He graduated high school in Myrtle Point, Oregon, where he played on the basketball and football teams. He became a proud University of Oregon student joining Chi Psi Fraternity and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. During his years as an Oregon "Duck" Ken served in the ROTC and met his wife, Susan Gail Gardner. Ken and Susan met while working in a strawberry field during the Summer harvest. They had two children: Jennifer Lynn Engstrom and Edward Kenneth Engstrom IV. After graduation, Ken began a career in the US Postal Service in Salem, Oregon and rose to the level of Postmaster of Eastsound, WA. He was subsequently promoted to Postmaster of Stayton, OR, Forest Grove OR, and Oregon City, OR. Ken was a member of The National Association of Postmasters of United States (NAPUS) Serving as an Officer at the State level, and as an Area Rep of five states. The conventions that NAPUS held annually in different US cities allowed for travel and new experiences while brushing up on skills and renewing friendships. A hot air balloon ride and meeting the "Code Talkers" in Arizona, Sternwheeler on the Mississippi, and watching longhorn cattle being herded down a Texas street were some highlights. Ken is remembered by peers, colleagues and friends as a mentor who always could be depended upon to speak his mind and try to better the lives of all postmasters. He traveled each year to Washington, DC to meet with Senators and Congressmen to support the legislation that would aid the post office. When he retired as Postmaster in Oregon City, Oregon he became Executive Director of the NAPUS organization and served at its headquarters in Alexandria, VA for four years before returning to Oregon. Ken was also a staunch supporter of the Lions Club serving as secretary of the Forest Grove chapter. Fiercely protective of his family, he loved nothing better than to invite them all for a huge BBQ and raise a glass to toast, never missing the opportunity to remember family and friends that could not be there. Thanksgiving was a major event with two BBQ turkeys and as many as could gather. In the future we will continue his tradition of raising a glass in the memory of those not with us. He avidly followed his U of O teams; football, men's and women's basketball, track, and rejoiced in their victories. Susan could often be heard reminding him to keep his blood pressure down during close games or she would threaten to turn the channel. An early riser, if it was on his list to do it was checked off by 10am. Though he was proud of his life's work, his family and particularly his children and grandchildren were his special joy. Ken is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan, daughter Jennifer Lynn Engstrom Green (Dan) their children Alexis Lynn and Cole Huntington; son Edward Kenneth Engstrom IV (Karen) and their children; Etta Sophia and Edward Kenneth Engstrom V. Sister Pam Engstrom Landauer (Marv) sons Jordan and Kurtis; brother Steven Craig Engstrom and numerous cousins.

Edward Kenneth Engstrom, III

May 21, 1951 - November 9, 2020