Andrew Engel Obituary

I still remember how much fun your classroom was and how much you've inspired me. I will never forget you.

Years have passed but your memory lasts forever. Still to this you are one of the most memorable and impactful in my life. You live on forever in my heart!

I love you like my own son.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Andrew's passing. We worked together at the info desk in the Student Center at Bradley, and even caught a Cubs game over the summer. Andrew was a great, caring, and compassionate person and he will be truly missed by all who knew him. My prayers to Andrew's family.

I am still in total shock!! I just learned about Andrews passing from the Bradley University's Hilltopics. When I read his name I really prayed that the article was wrong. I met Andrew in APO at Bradley University. The strange part is I just found a picture of Andrew and I over the weekend and I was thinking how sorry I was that I lost contact with him. Andrew "is" a person with a heart of gold. If you ever needed someone to cheer you up or make you laugh you could always count on him. By reading his guest book it sounds like he "is" an amazing teacher who touched the lives of so many people. I am very honored to have known such an amazing person. I know that he is missed by so many people.

Dear Andrew--You are very much in our thoughts. We will never forget how blessed we were to have known you and had you in our lives

Hi everybody! I was so devastated to find out about Andrew, or "Paco" as I knew him from APO. We were friends since he got back from England, especialy when we lived on the same floor in SAC. I heard about his passing on the news, but didn't think it could possibly be him. I am still shocked. Anyway, I know that he would want all his Bradley friends to stay in touch, so I wanted to post my e-mail address. If anyone wants to talk, feel free to contact me. I love you all!

Lisa

(You favorite Bad Little Monkey)

Like everyone else I am shocked and deeply saddened by Andrew's passing. I've known Andrew since he was a freshman at Bradley and will always remember him as the fun-loving person he was that deeply loved his family and friends. My sympathies to all whose lives he touched. God bless, Andrew!

I thought I would take some time before I could write something, but I realized that a good time will never come, so now is as good time as any. Andrew was, and still is, my best friend. Through all the changes in my life, he was always my constant. One I always relied on being there. He always put everything in perspective for me, he made me think about my choices, and constantly asked for my opinion on his. He was my rock, always so solid, and so consistent. I miss him everyday, and yet I still talk to him. I am not crazy, he responds. So, I'd like think that he still takes care of me, just in a different way. I still can't think about him without crying, and I cry a lot, but I just want to say that I am forever grateful that he agreed to be in my life.

Dear Brenda:



It has only been a short time and I still cannot believe Andrew is gone. I think I will most fondly remember him for being an "old school" teacher! He hated my soft heart and told me in no uncertain terms. Yet as I read the entries, I realize that Andrew may have had a soft spot as well. I wanted you to know how I respected him and his ethics. I enjoyed our breaks behind the church; we had many inspiring conversations. We helped motivate each other to quit all of our bad habits and although we did not always succeed--we never stopped hoping! Rock On! Andrew---because that is what I remember best. My favorite memory was when he was presenting the Curry-Sumura rubrics and was so excited he screamed, "Rock on!" Boy, I thought Mr. Bearden's head was going to spin! Incidentally, he smiled.



My thoughts are with you today and support is a phone call away.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Andrew Engel. My son, though not much of a student, respected Mr. Engle. He was deeply moved when told of the untimely death.

My deepest sympathies to each member of the Engle family. You've had more than your share of heartbreaks... I remember Louise babysitting Andrew and I recall how beautiful he was as a baby...so happy. May your hearts keep his memory alive forever.

Saddest regards,

Maureen Malone

To the Engel Family,

I was also a runner on that beautiful Saturday morning. I do believe that I saw Mr. Engel and Andrew running together because I remember seeing a very tall handsome man running along with someone much older, assuming it was his father. I was admiring how happy they both looked running together and admired the grace they had. When I ran around the bend before entering soldier field, I saw Andrew receiving CPR. I prayed so hard for Andrew and his family and have not yet since stopped prayinig for you all. Apparently Andrew's work had been done on earth and God needed him. I didn't know that the runner receiving the cpr was also the runner I had passed along the trail with his father, until I saw Andrew's picture in his obituary. Engel family, my heart breaks for you and I offer you comfort in knowing that he is now running with the angels. It sounds like he was an amazing, amazing man. My deepest sympathy and warmest thoughts.

My heart is heavy because I grew to love and admire Andrew (I still want to call him Andy)very much. I first met "Andy" when my daughter Holly and I made our first trip to Bradley University. He immediately struck me as a polite and very proper young man. He and Holly became friends and I could not have been more pleased. We also shared a meal or two with his parents when we visited Bradley. It was nice getting to know his family. You did a splendid job in Andrew and I can only pray that time will assuage your grief and make your memories more precious. I know Holly and I as well as our whole family will have fond memories of Andrew. I last saw Andrew when he, Jessie and Holly were off to see the Cubs in St. Louis. He (they) was (were) a little older but he still had that beautiful smile. Love, Dave and Shirley Hamilton

Dear John,

Was so saddened to here of this great loss. You will both be in my prayers.

I met Andrew through Holly, and we all had many fun times together. Andrew got us Cubs tickets and I got to take my own son to his first game. We met up again last St. Patrick's Day, Andrew had a nice big table reserved for everyone. He was such a nice person and even though I was much older than all his friends, he always made me feel welcome. I will miss you Andrew!

Nancy Goins

Blance & Brenda,



I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. As I see from this guestbook he was obviously loved and cherished by his family, freinds, and students.



Bless you,

Walter & Camille

My thoughts & Prayers Always

The coroner said death was due to an enlarged heart. We who knew and loved him were not surprised. A heart as big as Andrew's could embrace ideas, community, faith, family, students and colleagues.



A student was overheard saying the Mr. Engel was sure to get an "A" in heaven. That leads us to imagine that Andrew "E"ngel has now become Andrew "A"ngel. Maybe this will be the year for the Cubs after all!

When I started stage 4 I had no interest in consumer education. All I knew was that it had something to do with money. Mr. Engel really changed that for me. He was a great teacher. He had a connection to students outside the classroom. My favorite moments would be when him saying "Here's my opinion, not Mr. Engel's this is Andrew speaking." I have never heard a teacher give his honest opinion on a subject. He made you feel like you were his equal. Even though he is gone, I'm sure his lessons, inside the classroom and out, will stay with my classmates and I forever.

Andrew was one of the first people I met at Bradley. And I have many memories of hanging out with him in APO and during our senior year in SAC. I will remember him with great fondness. I am so sorry for your loss.

John and family -- We are thinking of you all as you navigate through this trying time. Best Wishes.

- Megan and Christopher Jones

Dear John,



I am saddened to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

Dear Brenda, John, and Erin,



Tears fill my eyes as I try to write to you how sorry I am about losing Andrew. I've know this kid my whole adult life and can't imagine not having him around for the rest of it. :( I look forward to seeing all of you this weekend but wish that it was under different circumstances. Take comfort in that fact that Andrew lived every day of his life to its fullest - he didn't miss out on anything!



Love, Holly

I have fond memories of Andrew's energy and enthusiasm during his years at Quigley. I hope it is great consolation to his parents to know how positively he impacted so many in so short a span of time. He truly seized each day and lived it to the hilt. Requiescat in pace!

It is truly amazing how much of a contribution Andrew made in this life, in his short 28 years. His accomplishments, and caring nature will be treasured by all. Brenda and John,so very sorry for your loss, but how lucky you have been to be the proud parents of such a dynamic young man. Love you.

John,



May you find comfort and support from your family and friends at this difficult time.



Best wishes,



Len

My heart and mind still cannot comprehend this loss. I am fortunate to have known Andrew from our time at Bradley and appreciative that we have remained in contact since our departures. Being roommates at Bradley, we bonded like brothers providing support and encouragement when needed. Just a year ago I called him up and asked last minute what he was doing on the Fourth of July. He joked and said nothing – I jumped on a plane and spent the day with him and came back home. Out of this tragedy I feel a little better knowing I have one more set of eyes watching me from above. Andrew will be missed. John & Brenda you are in my prayers.

Dear Brenda,

I’m proud to tell you that I was honor to have your son as my teacher for consumer economics. He was the nicest man I ever meet and I really wanted to go to china with him next year. I still remember when I first meet him on freshmen year I was so scared of him because he was so strict. But in the long run his teachings will stay with me forever. I was destroyed when I heard he was dead I will always remember his beautiful smile I liked him a lot. If you need someone to talk to you know were to contact me I would love to share stories about him with you.

I knew Mr. Engel since the beggining of freshmen year. I was so scared to walk into his class; he looked very strict. As the year passed and I got to know him he became one of my favorite teachers. He taught me a lot of what I know as a student.Everything from writing a good five paragraph essay to how to budget my money. He always challenged me and showed me never to slack off, instead to always give 110%. We had a lot of good times that I will never forget.The days when he would spray me with his water bottle in class, the days when he would loose in hang person, and even the days he would tell me I was getting an F in his class(he knew I was getting an A) I want everyone to know that he impacted my life greatly. He meant a lot to me and his teachings and words of wisdom will always remain in my heart. Years from now when I'm making big bucks I will look up at the sky and say "Thank you Mr. Engel, I would not have done it without you" God bless his family and may they have the strengh to get through this tough time. In his words "good times" "Componding Interest" and "Go Cubs" You will be missed. Your favorite student now and forever.

For the past two years, I have known you. Even though I have known you for only two years, you and I have done a lot together. In freshman year, not only did you teach me geography, but you took me to the Harold Washington Library, where the Holocuast Remembrance Day Breakfast was held. You also were there to listen to my stories about how I, a Jewish boy, wound up at St. Gregory's. You also were there to listen to my stories of my Jewishy background. In class, we had a discussion about the state of Israel, which I liked. You were a very optimistic guy, who said good morning and good afternoon to me with a smile. You always put a smile on my face. During sophomore year, I had you for history, where we had interesting discussions, watched movies, took tests, took notes, and even did projects. You also took me to the Harold Washington Library again for the Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony. I even miss the days when you came to all of my home games for basketball. You were such a great guy. I will have you in my prayers.

Your student,

Michael Roth

Mr.Engel

You were or i should say ARE a wonderful, loving and caring person! im gonna miss you and all the challenges you gave me! even though i wasnt the greatest in class you tried to push me to what you knew I could do. Thank you so much for all you did for us. Rememberning you in your words to me are " good times, good times" I LOVE YOU and again thank you so much, have fun and party up there, dont stop cracking them jokes!

MR.ENGAL WILL BE REALLY MISSED BY ALL OF US AT THIS SCHOOL. HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST TEACHER AND WELL RESPECTED HERE.

We will all miss u, espically me, but u will not b 4 gotten.



Your student,

Emmanuel 0.Nwachukwu

Dear Engels,



It was a beautiful Saturday morning. I was running right behind Andrew and his father for most of the second half of the Soldier Field 10 mile race. I enjoyed watching the two of you. I was trying to figure out how you were related and assumed you were probably just good running buddies in spite of your apparent age difference. When you got off the trail to walk, I did too and then returned to the trail when you two did, allowing you to pace my stride. Unfortunately I began to slow in my pace and you two moved a couple minutes ahead of me.



I saw the runner receiving CPR as I rounded the turn to enter the tunnel and called out "Please God, bring him back", I didn't realize it was the younger of the pair I had been following most of my run. Still, I finished the race, not knowing that Andrew's earthly race was over.



I am back in Holland, Michigan and have struggled all weekend with this tragic loss. For 1 hour I had the chance to observe Andrew's life, and his relationship with who I now know to be his father. What a run you had! Cherish that memory! My heart goes out to you and your family!

To: Mr. and Mrs. Engel,



I still remember my first day of high school as a freashmen. I was a new student in St. Gregorys' and your son, Mr. Engel was on of my first teachers. I will always remember everything he had taught me. He got tough when a student would't do thier home-work. It was a great way to learn. In his class I knew everything I've learned in his class would be helpful in the future, and would guide me. I always wanted to show him that I can do it. I never wanted to let him down, so I worked harder every time he pushed me to do my best. He taught me things I never would think I could do. This is had I got my determiation. I have great memiores about him, and the foods we liked. We would talk about the best meals, donuts were my faviortive, His was the egg muc Muffin from Mc'Donalds. I will never forget Mr. Engel and the work I learn. You should be proud of your son, because I know he was proud of me.

-Rebecca Pacheco/ Junior

I will alway remember Mr.Engel as a challanging person, courageous, kind, and generosity. Everyday and the morning I say "good morning" Mr.Engel. And he would say right back "good morning" Mr.Garcia. I consider him one of my top number one teacher.

Love your student,

Omar Garcia

R.I.P. Andrew Engle



(sorry so young)

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Engel,



I'm a student at St. Greg's. I wanted you to know that your son will always be alive in our hearts and minds. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.

In Christ -Kris

We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I wish it hadn't turned out this way

I wish he was here with us me and

every one elss I know miss him but

I still cant rack my brain around

it.

Mr. Engel was one of my favorite teachers at St. Gregory High School. I'm feel the deepest sorrow right now and it still hasn't hit me that I will never see him again. I don't now what it feels like to loose a family member, especialy if its your son, so even with my best acting skills I know I could never act out how Mr. Engel's parents must be feeling right now. I will feel remorse in these next few weeks. Mr. Engel was a very special person. I'd kwow since i had him as a teacher.©©

My best wishes to you are your family. I know losing someone is had but losing some one

like Mr. Angel is even harder because he was such a good man. He was really dedicated to being a teacher. I remember he was the only teacher that would smile at you when he was giving demerits He will me missed. I will also keep him in my thoughts.



Rachel York

During this hard moment in your lives i would like you to know that we have Mr. Engel in our memories and in our hearts. If anything is in need please notifie me.

I just want to send m payers to Mr.eglae famliy.

I wish you were here with us but I know that you are happy that God is with to guide, adn protect you. I hope that you will be with till the end of our school. from your student william.

He was a real nice teacher. He always had a big smile on his faces,and he sometimes pass out candy during class time.

During this time I honor you with sympathy and prayer for Brenda Engel and the Engel family.

I miss will you bye-bye .bubby.



jose velez

Mr.Engel was my teacher for World Studies and taught me about haly the worlds history, theat I didn't even know.Best of love to Mr.Engel's family and friends and to people that new him.So farl well to you Mr.Engel.

Best of luck to all of Mr.Engel's family. R.I.P Mr.Engel

We Will miss you Mr.Engel