Peter Michael Engstrom

Peter “Pete” Engstrom, 69, of Waconia, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on July 24, 2026. Born on May 26, 1957, Pete lived a life full of music, adventure, hard work, laughter, and love.

Pete was a beloved husband, proud father, cherished Papa, loyal friend, and passionate dreamer.

Pete was a lifelong entrepreneur and took great pride in his work. He owned and operated Pete’s Yard Care as well as Landscape Design and Landscape 2000. He worked hard—often 12+ hours a day—but he played even harder.

Pete had a gift for lighting up every room he entered. With his booming voice, unmistakable belly laugh, and love of a good joke, his presence was impossible to miss. He was a “walking party”—the kind of person who brought energy, laughter, and life wherever he went. Pete had a huge heart and would be the first to help someone in need. He loved deeply and would do anything for the people he loved.

Pete met Jewel in 1978 and won her over with, "I ain't never met a Jewel before!" They had an epic love story filled with adventure and dancing. Music often filled the house whenever the family was home doing chores, and he would wisk Jewel in an embrace and dance with her in the kitchen. Anytime Pete looked at Jewel, there was love in his eyes and he knew he was lucky to have the love of his life.

His family was his greatest joy and he was a devoted father from the very beginning. When his children were sick, he would stay up all night rocking them to sleep. He loved taking his children on all kinds of adventures, camping, boating, downhill skiing, you name it. He would drive the boat sunup to sundown pulling the kids around and around the lakes. The family pickup camper became the source of countless adventures and memories. He taught his sons, Levi and Cory, all there was to know about landscaping. He loved twirling his darling girls, Jewel and Chelsea, around the dance floor. He was up to all kinds of antics with his grandsons, like eating ice cream, going to job sites, rides in the bobcat, watching sports, and so much more. He had a huge heart, and his family knew without question that he would always be there for them.

And when it came to adventure, Pete had a special kind of magic. If the family was ready to leave in the camper or boat and the vehicle refused to cooperate, Pete always seemed to know exactly what to do. A tap here. A turn of a screw there. A little tinkering with something under the hood—and somehow, it would start just enough to get them on their way. Pete had an uncanny ability to make almost anything work.

Music was one of Pete’s greatest loves. He was passionate about the blues, especially loved slide guitar players and loved the music of the Grateful Dead, Buddy Guy, and Willie Nelson, among many others. Through his love of music, Pete became a local legend in the music community, where he made lasting friendships and brought his own energy and spirit to the world of live music.

Pete believed in living fully and often reminded those around him: “Let the high times carry the low.” Pete leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, music, stories, and adventures. His family will forever be waiting for him to get going on the next adventure—with the camper, the boat, or whatever comes next. And knowing Pete, he has probably already found something that needs fixing.

Pete will be deeply missed by his wife, Jewel Engstrom; his children, Levi and Alicia, Cory, and Chelsea; his grandchildren, Logan, Kasey, Cullen, and Kayson; his siblings, Beth Campbell, Mark and Marlene Engstrom, Jon and Debbie Engstrom, and Sue Engstrom; and his many nieces, nephews, expansive family members, and cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Virginia Engstrom, and his sister, Jodi Swenson.

Pete was a beautiful soul who lived loudly, loved fiercely, worked hard, played harder, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His laugh, his music, his stories, his generosity, and his enormous presence will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.