Stephen Carl Engstrom

Jul 8, 1949 - May 9th, 2022

Birth Date: Jul 8, 1949
Death Date: May 9, 2022
Funeral Date: May 19, 2022, 11:00 am
Location: Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery
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Biography: Stephen Engstrom, a beloved and dedicated family man, quietly passed away on May 9, 2022. A native son of Little Rock, Steve was a 1967 graduate and student body president of Hall High School, a 1971 graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina, and a 1974 graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law. He was the 1974 Articles and Comments Editor of the Law Review and has been an adjunct lecturer at the William H. Bowen School of Law.

Steve began his legal career as clerk to Judge Thomas Eisele. He then partnered with Bill Wilson in private practice, and their firm eventually grew to be Wilson, Engstrom, Corum, and Coulter. A member of the Arkansas and American Bar Associations, the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, the International Society of Barristers, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. Steve served as Chairman for the Inns of Court and was listed in The Best Trial Lawyers in America. He also received the distinction of the 2011 Outstanding Lawyer Award by the Arkansas Bar Association. Steve was a dedicated advocate for his clients and his profession, and always observed an absolute sense of fair play in his work and his life.

As a student, Steve spent a summer working for Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, and a summer as an aide to U.S. Congressman Al Lowenstein of New York. Having an adventurous spirit, Steve spent a pivotal year studying in France, traveling Europe, and a summer stint in the American Embassy in Brussels, Belgium.

A talented and avid golfer, he won the 2001 CCLR Men’s Club Championship. Steve brought enthusiasm to everything he did and was always up for fun. While he was best known by many for his professional career, we will remember him for his love for his family, his kindness, his generous spirit, his humor, his keen intelligence and wisdom, and his conviction for standing up for what he knew was right.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Martha Frances Engstrom, and his brother Bobby. He will be sorely missed and is survived by his wife Rebecca, his daughter Louise Engstrom Riley (Stephen), and his stepdaughter Page Ketcher all of Little Rock, brothers Bruce Engstrom (Sue) of North Little Rock, Jim Engstrom (Laura), nephews Allen Engstrom and Dr. Greg Engstrom (Julie) all of Little Rock, nieces Carrie Lebowitz (Scott) of Memphis, TN and Amy Engstrom of Bellingham, WA. He is also survived by his uncle Don Park (Joan) of Springfield, TN, a host of great nephews, sister-in-law Judy Johnson (Kelley) of Little Rock, and brother-in law Bill Mangum (Amalia) of Southern Pines, NC. A special thanks to Dr. Frits van Rhee at UAMS Myeloma Center.

There will be a graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 11 a.m. for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, if you’d like to do something in Steve’s memory, please donate to the Arkansas or National Democratic Party. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

Condolences(22)

Kathy W Searcy

#22

May 23rd, 2022 8:54 pm

May sweet memories flood your minds and comfort your hearts in your grief. Steve was a fine man and excellent attorney. I respected and admired him. I pray for peace in your sorrow.

Patti Hudson Marks

#21

May 19th, 2022 10:24 pm

Steve and I were in law school together where we shared special friendships with C.D., Mary Anne, Bessie, and others. Our paths continued to cross as we both practiced law in Little Rock for a time. After I moved to Colorado, our visits were few and far between, but for me our friendship continues. Steve was the consummate legal professional, respected by all. He was kind, generous and caring. He will be remembered for all of these qualities, but for me he will be remembered most for the joy he created spinning tales with his sharp wit and impeccable timing. A true raconteur. We Dems will keep up the good fight, Steve. Your memory is a blessing.

Ron Hughes

#20

May 19th, 2022 9:43 am

When Catherine and I were about to get married, Steve darted over to me to adjust my bow tie to make sure it was as perfect as it should be. He seemed like that in all things important.

David and Sandy Spivey

#19

May 18th, 2022 10:03 am

Sending our love and heartfelt condolences to Steve's family, and prayers for comfort and strength. Sandy and David Spivey

Tammy Porter

#18

May 16th, 2022 3:33 pm

I always enjoyed working cases with him and Marilyn Krebs. Mr. Engstrom always treat legal secretaries with the same respect he gave to other attorneys and judges. Not all attorneys do that. He was good man . Prayers for his family.

Tom Alstadt

#17

May 16th, 2022 9:21 am

Steve was a friend, golfing buddy, and classmate. Our friendship started sixty years ago at Pulaski Heights Jr High and continued for our life. He was one of the most friendly, likeable, sensitive, and caring people I have ever known. He was a great attorney who brought hard work, intelligence, integrity, professionalism, and compassion to his practice. My prayers are with the family during the coming days as you grieve your loss. Steve will be greatly missed.

Marilyn Kreps

#16

May 16th, 2022 7:49 am

100's of property settlement agreements (I once typed 3 in one day), drafts of orders, direct exam outlines, exhibits, et al. I remember vividly hooting, hollering and jumping on the bed the day I got the call from Steve that I was hired as his secretary, and he had resumes from several others more qualified than me, in fact, I had never been a secretary at all. I think this genius, fabulous man just wanted to help me since my long-time employer (the Gazette) closed. Steve absolutely saved me and so many others with jobs (e.g., (he loved e.g.'s) law clerks, runners, and secretaries). I will never forget the "Chief," as Andy Francis called him one morning, and Steve loved it. I am so sorry for your loss Rebecca, Page, Louise, and all of the exceptional Engstrom family. No one ever loved anyone more than the Chief loved you.

AJ Kelly

#15

May 15th, 2022 11:15 pm

Rebecca, Louise, and all the family, Please accept my sympathies. I only knew Steve professionally; he is and was a legend in our profession. The Judges for whom he clerked spoke of him as a man of the highest integrity. They were right. We will miss him, his wit, his wisdom, and his friendship. May he Rest In Peace.

Chris Raff

#14

May 15th, 2022 4:08 pm

First met Steve in the late 70s when we were both clerking for federal judges. Everyone in the courthouse recognized what a smart lawyer and “good guy” he was. His life and career proved we were right.

Jeff Clark

#13

May 15th, 2022 11:31 am

Bruce, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and your brother Jimmy and his family at this time of your loss. Steve was a great guy and a joy to be around. I grew up on Kenyon down the street from the Engstrom boys and they were a hand full! Steve will be missed, God bless the Engstrom family at this time of loss.

keith jones

#12

May 15th, 2022 8:28 am

I loved every time our paths would cross, as all i would have to do is ask a question or mention a topic and Steve would always have a delightful, funny witty and highly intelligent response. He was a truly gifted all-round great person and will be missed on this planet.

Spencer Robinson

#11

May 15th, 2022 8:13 am

Steve and my brother Adam were seniors at Davidson College when I was a freshman there. That is where I met him. Engaging and always full of ideas, Steve had interesting outlooks and insights into things. We were on the Board of Bar Examiners together for four of the six years I was a member in the early 2000s. Between grading sessions, we got together and talked about all sorts of things. He was a good lawyer, but more importantly he was a good friend.

Dana Daniels Nixon

#10

May 14th, 2022 10:53 am

Love to all of Steve’s family and friends. He has been a friend and fellow adventurer for most of my life. We had many shared experiences, but of course many of my favorites occurred during our Markham Hill escapades. We will be out of town for the graveside, but know my thoughts will be with you all.

HARRY TRUMAN MOORE

May 13th, 2022 4:20 pm

Steve was my classmate, sometimes my opposing counsel, and on a couple of occasions, I was his co-counsel. He was one of the smartest lawyers I have ever known. Someone mentioned his competitiveness on the golf course. Judge Raymond Abramson and I were on the wrong end of it in the doubles bracket of the UA-Law School tennis tournament in the early 70's. I can't remember Steve's partner, but I'll never forget Steve tying his hair into a pony tail, changing from his sandals to his tennis shoes, and without warming up, hitting an "ace" by me on his first serve. And it was through Steve that I got to know Bruce. Linda Lou joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy.

Jim Guy

May 13th, 2022 9:36 am

Steve was a good, fun, smart, kind, loving and brave person.
I his last few years we paused frequently to visit in the halls and elevators of our Condo building downtown.
He is now free from his pain but has left us with good and warm memories.

Gene Dunaway

May 12th, 2022 8:24 am

Friends since childhood, Stephen was one of the finest people I've know. He was brilliant, loving, kind, generous and had a great sense of humor. He loved to dance and loved his friends and family. I know many who played golf with him just to watch him hit the ball. Grace in motion. Rest in Peace dear one.

Richard Moore

May 12th, 2022 7:31 am

I remember Steve from his summer working for Governor Rockefeller; he was enthusiastic and a joy to be around. My condolences to his family and friends.

Fred Wanger

May 11th, 2022 8:37 pm

Bruce, my thoughts have been with you and the Engstrom Extended Family since learning of Steve’s passing. Steve stood out from the crowd and will be remembered by everyone who knew him.
Sympathies and Prayers,
Fred Wanger

SUSAN Kelley Schallhorn

May 11th, 2022 8:07 pm

Steve was the youngest of the “ Engstrom boys,”
The Kelley family and Kelley girls loved them and their parents. SUSAN and EILEEN send their love and support to Rebecca and the Engstrom family.

SUSAN Kelley Schallhorn

May 11th, 2022 8:00 pm

Steve was the youngest of the “ Engstrom boys.”
The Kelley family and Kelley girls loved them all.
We go way back and send our sympathy and love and support to Rebecca and the Engstrom family.

Nan Ellen East

May 11th, 2022 6:25 pm

To Jim and all his and Steve’s loving family, Jack and I are saddened by your loss of Steve. What a fine man in every way. May you all cherish your many happy memories you share all through Steve’s life. Through his role as a dedicated lawyer, and through his family and other interests, Steve positively improved the lives of many. We send our deepest sympathy and love in Steve’s memory. Nan Ellen and Jack East

Steele Hays

May 11th, 2022 4:31 pm

Steve was one of our closest friends for many years although we fell out of touch in recent years. We spent many happy hours at his little lake property west of LR, hanging out there virtually every weekend during the warm months. Steve and I also did a weeklong fishing and camping trip to Colorado in the late 70s, exploring the upper Rio Grande and hiking in to Emerald Lake in the San Juan Mountains. His obituary fails to note what a great storyteller he was, especially with anecdotes from the courtroom and environs. One memorable one was about Judge Terry Shell, who Stephen also clerked for. Shell needed notes to get some of his instructions correctly expressed, but he chaffed at that and always wanted to "wing it." In one case, he asked a defendant who was pleading guilty "How are you feeling today?" in an attempt to warm up the atmosphere and set a friendly tone. "I feel guilty, your honor. I feel guilty," he said. "No, not yet. We'll get to that in a minute," the judge replied, very flustered. You will be missed, Steve.

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