Darrin Engstrom, age 59, of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on February 23rd, 2026. He was born on November 18th, 1966, in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, to John Engstrom and Sandra Buchman.

Darrin grew up playing sports but his passion from a young age was fishing and hunting. His drive for those passions lead him into a career of heavy duty truck part sales starting in 1990 at Catco. While doing so graduating with an Associates Degree in Police Science in 1992. Then meeting the love of his life, Barbara (Biederman) Engstrom, and marrying on February 20th, 1993. He created a family together with her of sons, Dalton (born 1994) and Hunter (born 2000).

He propelled himself through his professional career going to Northwest International Trucks (97-2001), Navistar Inc (2001-2018), and then planned to retire with Mid-State Truck Service / Ascendance Truck Centers (2018-2026). All while living out one of his many passion, fishing, by creating his own guide business, Muskyhunt Guide Service.

Darrin loved to spend time outdoors. Fishing, camping, and hunting are just of the few but he would prefer anything that meant him being on the water. His passion for fishing and hunting led him into teaching his sons the beauty in it. Which furthered his time on the water spent by competing in competitive fishing tournaments, many partnered with his son Dalton. The most notable memory coming from last year in 2025 they achieved their first, 1st place victory together on one of his favorite lakes, Big Chetac located in Birchwood, WI.

When Darrin wasn't out and about in the outdoors his favorite place to be was at the camper with his family. 

Darrin is survived by his wife of 33 years, Barbara Engstrom, children Dalton and Hunter Engstrom, dog Paisley, parents Sandra and stepfather Doug Buchman, sister Darcie Klopp (Jim Kraska), stepbrothers Brad (Trish), Adam (Michelle), and stepsister Kiera (Lee), brother in-laws Ed (Vicky), Perry (Jodi), Brad, Bobby (Terri), Brian (Lori), and Bruce (Cory) Biederman, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, John Engstrom.

Last Update: Mar 02, 2026 10:23 am CST