Daniel Engstrom

Daniel Walter Engstrom went to the service of his lord and savior on the morning of May 19, 2024 in Pensacola, Florida at the age 87. He was born on June 9, 1936 to John and Jennie Engstrom in Newark, New Jersey. 

He died at home with his loving family under the great care of Escambia County Hospice. 

 Daniel W Engstrom joined the United States Air Force at the young age of 17 on November 29, 1954. He served for 27 years, retired as a Senior Master Sergeant on June 30, 1982. 

He was a decorated veteran, a recipient of the following

*Bronze Star Medal for bravery during armed conflict. 

*Meritorious Service Medal with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters (awarded 4 times)

*US Air Force Commendation Medal

*Presidential Unit Citation ** Presented to selective Air Force units that performed above and beyond the norm during crucial operations and as singled out by the President of the United States

*US Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 bronze oak leaf clusters, awarded 5 times

*US Air Force Good Conduct Medal 1 silver oak leaf cluster, 1 bronze oak leaf cluster (covers period of more than 28 years) ***Presented each 4 years of Good Conduct during service to the US Air Force

*US Army Conduct Medal with 3 bronze loops

*National Defense Service Medal 1 bronze star awarded 2 times

*Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze campaign stars

*Expeditionary/Humanitarian Medal

*US Air Force Longevity Service Award 1 silver oak leaf cluster, and 1 bronze oak leaf cluster*awarded 7 times

*US Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Graduate Award

*US Air Force Expert Marksmanship Medal

*Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry/with Palm

*US Forces Compat Support Medal 

After retiring from the military Daniel and his family moved to Pensacola Florida where he dedicated 15 years of his life to the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier.

He was a devout member of Cokesberry Methodist Church in Pensacola, where he found solace and comfort from the community.

As the patriarch of his family Dan was a great example to what a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend should be. He had unconditional love and friendship for all.

Dan had a deep commitment to the military. He found great strength, love and faith in the Lord. 

He brought joy, comfort and kindness to all who knew him. 

His charitable work included the soup kitchen at Loaves and Fishes, Meals on wheels and 2 church missions to China and shared his blissful joy as Santa Claus with children and adults alike.

Shortly after joining the military Dan was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. He married the love of his life, Dolores Pearl LaMora, with whom he shared 66 wonderful years. 

He is survived by his wife Dolores (Dee) and three children, son Daniel W Engstrom II wife Susan (Glenn, Jessica, Joel) Daughters: Lorie Engstrom-Porter (Santos, Vanessa, Christian), 

Donika Engstrom-Panici (Paul) (Emilia (Mia) Matthew, Michael) 

Plus, with many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Victor August Birger Engstrom and Jennie Victoria Engstrom  

Brothers: Clarence, Oscar, John, Eddie, Teddy, Donald and his sister Dolly.

In his free time, Daniel enjoyed fishing, serving the Lord, and spending time with his family.

Arrangements for Daniel W Engstrom are as follows: Visitation will begin at 10:30 am on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Rose Lawn Funeral Home, 2942 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, Florida, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm. following the service Burial will take place at 2:00 pm at Barrancas Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Escambia County Hospice, Tunnels To Towers, Wounded Warriors in memory of Daniel Engstrom.

Rose Lawn Funeral Home, located at 2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida, is assisting with the funeral arrangements.