Donald C. Englmann, known affectionately as Don, (or Donnie), to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on December 7, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, Don lived a life marked by a love for family and friends. 
Don was preceded in death by his beloved parents Clem and Martha Englmann and his doting Aunt Clara (and Uncle Paul Beckmann along with Cousin Ernie). He was also preceded in death by his first cousin Louise Dahm and her daughter Linda Houp. He is survived by his vibrant first cousin, Marian Anderson, who is over 100 years old and about whom he is quoted as saying, “She has a positive mental attitude – thus her long life.”  He is also survived by cousins John Gibson, Kathie Schenkel, Joan LaBouff, Linda Karg, Paul Delort, Michelle Almada, Tom Delort, John Delort, Gayle Gillig, and many other beloved first cousins once removed and second cousins.  Don’s relatives take comfort in knowing that he lived a quiet life of contentment.  He was very close to his Chicago based family, and enjoyed attending holiday gatherings and family events. He lived in Chicago for over 74 years, before moving to Barrington.
After graduating from Lane Tech High School in January of 1948, Don went to work in a local factory until he was called up to serve our country. He was inducted into the Army and deployed to Korea. He served in the Army from 1951 to 1956. Upon returning stateside, he attended Coyle Trade School for electrical training; he started his career as a shop electrical technician and spent the balance of his working career employed at Weil Pump Company in Chicago. He retired in 1994. He might have been timid, but he was very kind, very smart, very tenacious, and quite the problem solver.
As a young man, Don traveled the country with his beloved Aunt Clara, Uncle Paul, and Cousin Ernie; he and his father and mother traveled together in his middle years. They loved to tour and travel with their Ford Model A and Model T Club tours and races. His father Clem, mother Martha, and Don loved their Model A and Model T car hobby and friends, and Clem and Don even traveled to Montana for Don to race his 1927 Ford Model T Coupe for many years at the Montana 500. Don was an active member of the Model A and Model T Clubs, where he shared his passion for vintage automobiles with fellow enthusiasts. His hands-on approach and meticulous care for these classic cars won him admiration and friendship within the community.  Don’s “second family” was his fellow club members, who had been instrumental in fostering his hobby; Don had been a member in some clubs for over 65 years.
In his final years, he still had all the former passion, love and kindness.  He would have done more if not for being slowed down and debilitated by Parkinson’s and dementia. He lived a long and peaceful life, and remained in his home with great memories (and his passions in the garage) until the very end.  Don was blessed to receive great end of life care, which was willingly offered. His 95 years were remarkable.

A memorial service and arrangements by Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, Cary IL   www.kahlemoore.com 847-639-3817. Reception is 4:00-8:00 pm with a memorial service at 6:30 pm on Thursday January 30th, and visitation on Friday January 31st from 9:00-10:00 am at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home. Internment to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donald Englmann’s honor to: 
Midwest Chapter Model T Ford Club International for a fund for archiving and digitally preserving  the Englmann Family’s donated films and photos of Model T and Model A club history and past events. Contact Forrest Green. 
Samaritans Purse Ministries   www.samaritanspurse.org  (helping Hurricane Helene and California Wildfires displaced persons).
DAV (Disabled American Veterans)   www.dav.org