Richard C. Engstrom, age 75 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, April 9, 2007 at his home. He was born July 1, 1931 in Big Rapids to Karl and Ethel (Sampier) Engstrom. Dick graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1950. He was honorably discharged from the Michigan National Guard, Company E, 126th Infantry, after 25 years of service. He married Helen Carter on September 27, 1952 in Hersey. Dick has lived in Big Rapids his entire life and has wintered in Arizona for many years. Dick was an active member of his community and an exceptional salesman. He worked for the Gambles Store, Grunst Brothers, the Good Housekeeping Shops, Riverside Furniture and Carriage Motors, formally J. C. Waddell until his retirement in 1996. He returned to Carriage Motors, part-time, in 1997 and continued to work at Gary Trimarco Automotive. Dick was a 32nd degree Mason in the Big Rapids Masonic Lodge, where he served as the Worshipful Master in 1994. He was a member of the Lakeland Shrine Club of the Saladin Temple in Grand Rapids, where he served for two terms as the director of the Color Guard. He was a member the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Grand Rapids, The Royal Order of Jesters, Court #11, serving as director in 1994, and the El Hajj #7. Dick was a life member of Eagles Aerie #2535 and B.P.O. Elks Lodge #947, both of Big Rapids. He was a member of American Legion Post #98 and a dedicated member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Big Rapids, where he served on the board of directors for 7 years. Richard Engstrom made an indelible mark on the Big Rapids community and will be missed by many dear friends and his loving family including; His wife of 54 years, Helen, 2 daughters: MaryJo (Bill) Peppler of Big Rapids and Diana (Steven) Griffus of Erie, PA, 3 grandchildren: Christopher (Stacy) Manor and Katie Peppler all of Big Rapids and Joseph Manucci of Erie, PA, Great-granddaughter; Marissa Manor, Sister; Ruth Ann (Dave) Idema of Hersey, Brother; David (Mary) Engstrom of Evart and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Dick was preceded in death by 3 sisters; Helen Noreen, Marilyn Lindsey and infant MaryJo Engstrom and a brother; Allen Engstrom. Funeral services will take place 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 12th at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Robert Garrels officiating. The family will greet friends today (Wednesday) at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with an Elks memorial service at 8:30 p.m. this evening. Memorial Contributions in Dick's name may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, the Saladin Shrine Foundation for Children or the Big Rapids Elks Club.