06/04/2026
Vicky Engstrom-Trujillo
Vicky Lynn Engstrom-Trujillo, 68, of Knoxville, Iowa, departed this earthly life for heavenly peace on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at her home in Knoxville, Iowa. She was born on February 28, 1958 in Marion County, Iowa to Linda Mae Rickabaugh and Norman Edward Engstrom. She later gained a bonus father, Robert (Jim) Rickabaugh Sr., when her mother remarried. Throughout her life, she lived out her faith through service to those around her and created lasting memories with those she loved.
She was a member of the Knoxville High School Class of 1976. Vicky was a woman of many talents and interests. She studied Psychology and earned her Associate's Degree from DMACC.
Throughout her life, Vicky pursued many different career paths, but the common thread in all of her work was her desire to help others. Whether offering support, encouragement, comfort, or a listening ear, she left a lasting impression on countless lives. In her younger years, she worked on a golf course in Florida, where she had the chance to meet Arnold Palmer. She later served at a women's shelter, assisting women who had been abused and displaced. She also worked as a cake decorator, helping families celebrate special moments. She supported students in special education, worked as a tracker providing guidance and support to teenagers, and served in the laundry department at the V.A., where her work helped care for those who had served our country. No matter the role, Vicky approached her work with compassion, dedication, and a genuine care for the people around her. The impact she made extended far beyond her job titles and lives on in the many individuals she encouraged, supported, and cared for throughout her life.
March 18, 2005 she married Octaviano "Tavo" Trujillo, with whom she shared a partnership built on faith, family, and love.
When she was younger, Vicky enjoyed caring for and riding her horses. She found joy in nature and loved mushroom hunting, reading, writing, coloring, crafting, cooking, crocheting, working on crossword puzzles, and watching her favorite tv shows and movies. She was an Iowa Hawkeye football fan. She had a desire to travel, explore new places, and try new restaurants and foods. More than anything, she loved spending time with family, playing games, sharing stories, and making those around her smile and laugh. Above all else, her family, and friends who became family, brought her immense joy. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved.
Anyone who knew Vicky knew that no one ever left her home hungry. Feeding people was one of the many ways she expressed her love. She had a servant's heart and was one of the most generous people you could ever meet. If someone was in need, whether the need was big or small, Vicky would find a way to help. She gave freely of her time, resources, and love without ever expecting anything in return.
Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life and remained strong until the very end.
Of all her accomplishments, Vicky was most proud of her family. One of her most significant roles on this earth was becoming a mother. She cherished her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and it was no secret how proud she was of each of them.
Vicky is survived by her loving husband, Octaviano "Tavo" Trujillo; her children, Michalene Wilson and Dustin Moore (Ashley); her grandchildren, Marissa Williams (Levi), Mirrah Wilson (Boston), and Jonathan Moore; her great-grandchildren, Maeya Wilson and Lennox Williams; her sisters, Lucinda Ammons (Ron) and Leticia Hutchison; nephews, Jake Ammons, Jordy Ammons (Amanda), Gavin Hutchison, Gunner Hutchison, and Roman Ammons, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
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