Donald H. Engelman

Donald Herman Engelman was born in Chicago to William and Charlotte (Johnson) Engelman. He later married the love of his life, Ellyn Roche, in Chicago, where they began their life together.

Don spent 40 years working as a roofer throughout the Chicagoland area. He was a proud member of the Carpenters Union early in his career and later the Hot Roofers Union. In 1972, Don and Ellyn moved to Crystal Lake, where they raised their family and built their life together.

In retirement, Don and Ellyn enjoyed traveling the country in their motor home, making memories along the way and spending time in Eddyville, KY, Wonder Lake, IL and Mesa, AZ before eventually returning to Crystal Lake.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Ellyn; his children, Jeffrey (Kelly) Engelman, Barbara (Scott) Behrens, Jill (Terry Ashmore) Ames, and William (Corinne) Engelman; his grandchildren, Tami, Jeffrey, James, and Nick (Sarah) Engelman; Ivy, Timothy, and Thomas (Amy) Behrens; Acadia and Dillon Engelman; and his great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Zariah. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Myrna Olson and Patricia Mallow; his infant daughter, Linda; his son-in-law, Jeffrey Ames; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Frank Brady; his brother-in-law, Edward Roche; his niece, Debbie Fay; and his nephew, Michael Roche.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until a service at 6 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake. Interment will be private.