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Donald Engels Obituary
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Pamela Ritchie
May 7, 2024
Miss you guys . Pam
Paul Beisch
April 9, 2024
Thank you Don for your intercession, for helping me get deployed out of the unpaid Navy Reserve unit VTU 1314G at Great Lakes, IL to Djibouti, Africa. Don Engels, a great, and remembered US Navy Officer, as I work, struggle, and succeed toward Retirement. CM2SCW Paul Beisch, USNR Retired.
Greg “G-Man” Dellinger
April 11, 2021
Godspeed Coach! We will never forget you. I-L-L...
Carol Bockman
September 23, 2020
I just found out about Don and want to express my deepest condolences.
I met Don when we were 18 and freshmen at University of Illinois. He was a Sigma Nu and a good friend of Tom Martin who was also a Sigma Nu and who I dated. We often double dated and spent many good times together. I followed Don through 4 years at U of Illinois and was so proud of what he achieved as a football player and a remarkably caring person. I moved to Santa Cruz, California after graduation and hadn't seen Don again, though we did call each other now and then (this was before email, etc.)
Sincerely,
Carol Merriam Bockman
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Martin Jablonski
May 3, 2020
What a wonderful idea it was to celebrate Donald Engels life by sharing the many memories of him on the anniversary of his passing. During these times of so much uncertainty, it was especially heartwarming to read about Don Engels life and remember how he stood for honor, decency and love. With truth under such a complete assault, reading about Dons unselfish caring and giving in our community is like salve to ones wounds.
At 62, well after Don had raised five sons, he was volunteering to coach my son s 8th grade OLPH Basketball Team. His empowering coaching style ensured all of the players were treated fairly and with dignity. As is apparent from notes written in the Guest Book, Don regularly coached sports; I somehow doubt Don knew any of the boys on the teams he coached, before he volunteered.
Don had to be nearing 80 when I met up with him again at the Valley Lodge. Like Warren Toosley wrote, people knew his greatness just by spending a few minutes talking with him. Don was an extraordinarily good listener. He is one of those men I think of when trying to live the best life possible. God Bless Don and his family.
Martin Jablonski
Judy Carter
April 9, 2019
a caring, funny, down to earth type of guy who always went barefoot at work; May he R.I.P
June 11, 2015
Our deepest condolonces Ferol A Armitage and Ferol a.K Armitage. John C Armitage passed March 3rd 2015. So we understand your grief.
Sherry Dea
May 27, 2015
Dear Engels Family and Marlene:
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Don J. Engels, and my deepest sympathy to you & your family.
I truly feel bless that I have met Mr. Engels, even it was only about 17 months while I worked at Glenview Library as a Computer Aide. We were instantly connected like we known each other for many years, like dear family friends. Mr. Engels was very generous to share his wealth of knowledge with stock trading and life lessons with me. But what I admired most, it's his positive thinking and the can do attitudes. Mr. Engels was such a gem and I will forever miss him.
Warm Regards,
Sherry Dea & Family
Marty Jablonski
May 7, 2015
Dear Marlene and Engels Family, we first met Don when he coached our son Ben's OLPH 8th grade park district basketball team. Our favorite part of the game was halftime, when Coach Engels would ask each player if they were getting enough playing time. Now that was a way to keep the everyone involved in the team's outcome as well as their individual objectives.
Sometime later, we got better acquainted at the Valley Lodge. It was always a pleasant evening when we talked with Don and Marlene, whether it was about family, sports or movie picks. Don was interested in everybody and everything - an inspiration. He will be missed and remembered.
Marty Jablonski & Joan Ziegler
Tom McNabola
April 29, 2015
Dear Engels Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father Don.
He was a true gentleman and a joy to be around.
steve r
April 22, 2015
Well done good and faithful servant!!!
Christina Hillsman
April 20, 2015
My sincere sympathy to all of the boys and to Marlene. Very sorry to hear this sad news. God bless you all.
Rich Witte
April 20, 2015
Mike - Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I met him once and he left an impression. After reading the comments from others, you can tell he was a loved and respected man. My sympathies to you, your brothers and family.
April 19, 2015
To all the Engels boys: I was so saddened to read of your Dad's passing. I am also sorry I can't make it back in town to say goodbye to a very special man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It was my honor to know your Father and I know he touched many lives. You guys should be so proud and always keep his spirit alive.
Coach Dyer
John F
April 19, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Engels Family and Marlene . St Margaret Mary's , St Georges high school , University of Illinois , U .S Army , Glenview il , all became better places having been associated with Don Engels . Mr Engels was a Special Person , who had the uncanny abllity to make everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the room . Mr Engels was a Champion on the field , but more importantly he was the ultimate Champion off the field .
Sean Henseler
April 18, 2015
Mike and family,
I only had the pleasure of meeting your Dad on a few occasions but each time I did was special. I know that you will all miss him deeply but take comfort in the fact that as a man of great faith he is with his Father now and at peace. You were truly blessed to have such a great Dad and I have no doubt he was tremendously proud of you all...and that you all brought him great joy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paul Beisch
April 18, 2015
Don and his family are the heart soul and family that embody the reason we work at Steve Spector's Clean Guaranteed and Paul Beisch's Nova Maintenance. It is the spirit of Don's generosity that encouraged me to work hard enough where the time I saw Don at Perpetual Help, I stayed in my van, and slept there. (I was only there a few times in the last 5 or 10 years)
April 18, 2015
Dear Matt,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Fran and Silvano Salvi
April 18, 2015
Dear Matt,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Fran an Silvano Salvi
Donald Sprague
April 18, 2015
What a delight to read that lovingly composed biography of your Dad. I knew him as devoted and appropriately demanding Dad and loyal Rambler fan. His legacy certainly lives on in five fine sons.
Unfortunately, I am out of town for a wedding. Otherwise, I would be sharing my condolences in person.
God bless!
John & Rebecca Wysockey
April 18, 2015
We are so very sorry for the loss of your father. We are sad to have never met such a wonderful man,father and grandfather. But, what comfort that his legacy be of love & friendship to all those he knew.
Hobie Murnane
April 17, 2015
What a thrill it was to play with your Dad on the inaugural OLPH Men's Basketball Championship team many years ago. Don was the spiritual leader and beloved mentor for many athletes including me. I shall always cherish fond memories of a great man, coach, and Dad.
Steve Carlson
April 17, 2015
A great neighbor and very nice man. He was often seen in the library I remember quite a few times in the last few years by myself. I remember playing baseball at Westbrook School in Glenview and he had a large part in us being able to play there. He was one of a kind. Truly, this man was larger than life and will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayer go out to all his family and friends. Peace and smile down on us all.
Steve Spector
April 17, 2015
I was Don's gutter cleaner for his home in Glenview, his gutter cleaner and he treated me like a friend, who does that? Don Engels.
S Mills
April 17, 2015
My most sincere condolences to the entire Engels family. I know there are no words, and grief is an individual thing to each one of us. Remember to be patient and kind to yourselves as you go through the grieving process. He was a wonderful man and I am honored that I had the chance to meet him. Please know that I am praying for peace for you and your family.
Greg "G-Man" Dellinger
April 17, 2015
When I was 9, Mr. Engels taught me all about basketball. At age 12, Mr. Engels taught me all about how to win in football. When I was 14 & 15, he taught me how to coach, as he let me help out Andy's team, First Trust. When I left for college, Mr. Engels took us out for dinner, and then hugged me good-bye. In 1993, when I got married to Michelle, right before I left for the church, the phone rings. It's Mr. Engels calling from Europe to wish me well, and to tell me how happy and proud he was. At every turn in my life, the "Big Man" was there for me. In fact, I would see him out in the Naperville area, watching his grandchildren, or scouting for another coach. Always scouting. Sometimes, out of the blue, he would call me, just to see how I was doing; how Michelle was, or my own four children were. Because of Mr. Engels, the complete trajectory of my life changed. If he knew you, he believed in you, & he told me so, in thousands of different ways. From taking me to my first Bulls game, to allowing me to go with him and Johnny to see Mike play football out at Princeton. Thank you to the Engels boys for allowing me to visit your Dad that final time. It meant everything to me. If you are reading this, then you know that this is a great loss. Yet, Mr. Engels is now in Heaven with Mrs. Eng. He is coaching the team, and she is grabbing the film from the top of the station wagon, parked right there on the sidelines. Godspeed Coach, and rest in peace. Thank you for everything! I will always love you and your family, and I will never, ever forget you. Pax & A.M.D.G.
Steve Schafer
April 17, 2015
Don, John, Mike, Matt and Andy
The Engels house was always a home-away-from-home. Whatever problems I had, I always felt comfortable coming over for a game of whiffle ball, a little juke-box action or a viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life". That tone was set by your folks, who were both wonderful people. Your dad's take on the Bears, the market or how I wasn't following through on my pitching motion was always great to hear. From all the Schafer's our sincere condolences. Your pops was a great man! Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
April 17, 2015
Glenview just lost another incredible man. Coach Engels was one of the finest coaches I ever had and he was just an amazing overall mentor both on and off the field. I wish every young boy had a Coach Engels in their life because he was truly one of my key role models as I watched him balance family, work, friends and community service. To all the boys, I am so sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing your fantastic Dad with me so many years ago. Warm Regards, Jeff Cozad
Peter DeStefano
April 17, 2015
My condolences to the Engels Family. You don't know me but my Family lived right next door to Don, Carol, and their parents Elmer and Emma on Bell Ave. I was just a little kid at the time but remember Don and his athletic skills. He'd come home from a game of "something" and I'd run up to him and always say "did'ya win?" They were wonderful neighbors and wonderful people.
Joe Klauke
April 17, 2015
Mr. Engels was the best little league coach I ever had. Such a nice, positive guy. And he remembered me years later when I would run into him around town or at a footbal game. He will be missed. My condolences to the boys and their families.
Coach Tom Powers
April 16, 2015
A good man, caring father and tribute to his upbringing.
Don & Patti Peterson
April 16, 2015
To the Boys and their families,
Don was truly a great man in every way - a gentleman, an athlete, and a coach. He was a part of both our families many years ago on the ball field and basketball court. He leaves a legacy.
Steve Janowski
April 16, 2015
To Matthew and all the kids, condolences. What a great man, father and coach. Many fond memories. May he rest in peace with your mom.
April 16, 2015
Prayers to the family I remember Don as
a Fighting Illini From one receiver to one good passer you will be remember
The Vernasco family
Don Smith
April 16, 2015
We are saddened to hear about Don, he was special. I knew him as an extraordinary athlete and teamate (Illini 50)that never lost touch. We frequently met a Sam's house and he would always arrive with a little gift for our wives. He was a loving, sensitive man. We will miss him
Don and Jackie Smith
MARY MOSHER
April 16, 2015
My thoughts and prayers to the Engels family and Marlene. As well as the many friends he made in his colorful lifetime. A terrible void on the north
side... he was always ready to greet you with a smile and a wonderful story.
He was interested always in how you were doing. Sum him up as a great man. He will be missed. God Bless all
of you at this very difficult time.
Mary Mosher
JIM KLATT
April 16, 2015
MARLENE,
I SHALL MISS A FRIEND FROM ST MARGARET MARY AND OF COURSE, VALLEY LODGE....ALSO WHEN I'D SEE BOTH OF YOU ON LONGBOAT KEY...MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ON THIS LOSS !!!
Gene Hansen
April 16, 2015
I
Jule Anne Tadevic
April 16, 2015
I was so sorry to hear about Don. My condolences to all
Of the family. I remember him fondly from working with him
At Shearson.
Jule Anne Tadevic
April 16, 2015
Don had called me to set up a Rose Bowl reunion which never took place. He was one of the most selfless people who I had the pleasure of playing with He will be sorely missed by all of us. Regrets, Bill Tate
John & Carol Frank & Family
April 16, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to the Engels Family and Marlene Murphy. May you find peace & comfort in the loving memories that you shared together as a family. He was a nice person and always had a interesting story to tell. He will be missed by many.
Pam Ritchie
April 16, 2015
Much love to the Engels family and Marlene, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Dying on tax day at the closing bell was such a Don way to go. I believe Dorothy made his passing graceful and welcoming. Boys, I will always love you. Pam
Smith
April 16, 2015
My sincere sympathies for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that God is our refuge and strength, A help readily found in times of distress.
warren toosley
April 16, 2015
Don was more then just another customer at the Valley Lodge. Him and Marlene became part of my family. To my daughter he became grandpa Don. He was always there for the birthday day parties and holidays. He was like a second father to me. So I don't even have to say he was a great man. Because anybody that spent any time with him knew that. I will say the lodge will always be a little quieter with him gone. I will truly miss my dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to Marlene and the boys and there families. Until we meet again my friend, peace be with you.
April 16, 2015
I was very fortunate to meet Donnie he was a great guy teammate and very good to my kids !! I know they will miss you also Rest in Peace my friend . Jerry Allen
Wally Pecs
April 16, 2015
To my dear friend and team mate and most of all, one of the finest men I have ever known. My sincerest condolences to the Engles family and Don's dearest friend Ms. Marlene Murphy . Don may you Rest in Peace. GOD BLESS
April 16, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with all The Engels!
April 16, 2015
GOING BAREFOOT IN THE OFFICE
SUCH A NICE PERSON
R.I.P.
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