John Engelhardt Obituary

John Engelhardt, 77, of Naperville, IL and formerly of Addison, IL, died peacefully Sunday, May 30, 2004 at his home. The family he so loved surrounded him as he departed his earthly journey. John was born Jan. 24, 1927 in Chicago. He raised his family and spent much of his life in Addison until he relocated to Naperville in 1998. Mr. Engelhardt retired in 1987 from GTE, where he worked in maintenance and engineering. He was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran, having proudly served in Japan and Korea. But his proudest lifetime accomplishment was by far his family. He is survived by his lifelong friend and loving wife of 56 years, Norrine, nee Lees, Engelhardt, of Naperville. John reluctantly left Norrine behind with the promise that ''the best was yet to come.'' Their tremendous love for one another was special and it was reflected in their six children. John's love and appreciation for life was passed on to his children. His high values and strong morals will continue to live on in his son, Norman (Lori) Engelhardt of Wheaton, IL; his four daughters, Susan (Phil) Paneitz of Batavia, IL, Laurie (Ed) Schaefer of Batavia, IL, Cathy (Randy) Block of Hanover Park and Jodi (Jeff) Brooks of Naperville, IL; and his daughter-in- law, Pam. John had the unique gift of making everyone in his life feel special and valued. His grandchildren were no exception. He knew and loved each one of them as if they were his only. He leaves behind 16 grandchildren, Amy (Chris), Angie, Tim (Amy), Jonathon, Tom, Liesl, Scott, Todd, Eric, Mike, Alicia, Danny, Jared, Sarah, Greg and Austin. John also touched the lives of and leaves behind his brother and best friend, George (Miriam) Engelhardt; his beloved brother-in-law and close friend, Marvin Stellmach; and many nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered by his devoted caregiver, Donna. He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Margaret, nee Schubert, Engelhardt; his first born son, Kenneth; a grandson, Ryan; two brothers, Julius and Andrew; and his cherished in-law's, Raymond and Estelle Lees and Eileen Stellmach. John did not live his life idly. He was passionate about what he believed in and actively petitioned to make changes in this world that could make it a better and safer place to live. His quest in life was to educate people on the extreme dangers of wood burning smoke and worked ardently towards the goal of its abolishment. John's life will be celebrated at a Memorial Mass to be held on Friday, June 4, 2004, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 801 S. Eola Rd., Aurora. Interment private. Arrangements are being made by the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home, 24021 W. Royal Worlington Dr., Naperville, IL. Memorials in Mr. Engelhardt's name may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Church. 630-922-9630. www.beidelmankunschfh.com.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jun. 3, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for John Engelhardt

6 Entries

Debbie Arnold

June 9, 2004

Aunt Norrine, Sue, Norm, Laurie, Cathy & Jody,

I wanted to again let you know how sorry I am. Though I know you hear those words a lot these days, there is not a whole lot else to say other than I know what you are going through. Just believe that, in the times when you least expect it, you somehow just know that your dad is with you and looking out for you. It will happen and those are the times that see you through until the next day.

Love you,

Debbie

Laurie Schaefer

June 8, 2004

Dear Sue, Cathy, Norm,and Jodi,

My deepest and sincerest sympathy is being sent to each and every one of you. Thank you to each of you for being there always, emotionally and physically, no matter what the situation, but mostly for these last months when dad needed us all the most. I know that dad is smiling proudly down on each and every one us. In our grieving months ahead, we will survive because of the strength and the bond of family that dad left behind. I lovingly see dad's legacy in each and every one of you each represented in your own unique way. I love you all more than words can say.

Love your sissy,

Laurie

David Whitney

June 4, 2004

Working with John at GTE holds many fine memories. He was very dedicated to his job with focus on details with intense perseverance. I remember quite vividly his display of Old Glory in his office.

>>John, I am still an electrician as you have trained me.<<.

Frank and Mary Jane Brady

June 3, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Janie and Frank

Michael McCown

June 3, 2004

To the Engelhardts:

Our most sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. Engelhardt. He was a wonderful, energetic man with a great sense of humor that he passed on to his children. He was one who always went out of his way to help everyone feel as though they were part of the family - and they were. We consider ourselves fortunate to have known him for the past nearly 25 years and we know all our lives are richer for knowing him. His love and pride for his family was constantly evident and something that you yourselves should be very proud of. He will be deeply missed.

We are sorry that we will be unable to attend the mass on Friday due to unalterable (according to my boss) work commitments. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Love,

Michael & Beth McCown