"Mr Engelmeyer introduced me to chemistry in 1968. What a wonderful teacher?.one of the very best i ever had. I went on to get a degree in chemistry, and have worked at Prince with my chemistry degree for the past 50 years. I always enjoyed seeing John around Quincy and visiting. He was a great teacher, friend, mentor, and person. My sincere condolences to the family. Sincerely, Mike Bernhardt, QHS class of 1971"
In loving memory of
John F. Engelmeyer
August 26, 1934 - January 6, 2022
John F. Engelmeyer, age 87, of Quincy, died Thursday, January 6, 2022, at 6:23 pm in his home.
John was born August 26, 1934, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Joseph Bernard and Florence (Schroeder) Engelmeyer. He married Armenia E. "Mimi" Venditti on August 25, 1956, in Ilasco, Missouri.
John is survived by four children, Greg Engelmeyer of Pittsburgh, PA, (Jen Celli, Mark Engelmeyer,) Ann Engelmeyer (David) Ipsen of Broomfield, CO, (Todd (Emily) Ipsen, ), John A. Engelmeyer of Canton, MO, (Amy) , (Katie Engelmeyer, Luke (Carley) Engelmeyer, Joey Engelmeyer), Mark (Stacey Miller) Engelmeyer of Daphne, AL; (Kylie Engelmeyer, Nicole Engelmeyer) eight grandchildren, sister, Jean McKinney of Burlington, IA; brother, Paul Engelmeyer of Keokuk, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, John was preceded his parents; grandson, Jeff Ipsen; daughter-in-law, Diana Engelmeyer; sister, Arlene Futrell; Joe and Jim Engelmeyer.
John attended St. Boniface Catholic School, Quincy Notre Dame High School and Quincy College, graduating in 1956 with a BS in chemistry and a minor in math. He began his teaching career of 34 years, in Teutopolis, Il, teaching high school chemistry and math. Two years later, with his wife Mimi, and first son, Greg in tow, the family returned to John's roots in Quincy where he continued his teaching career at Quincy Senior High School that lasted 32 years from 1958 to 1990. In 1967-68, John attended Wayne State University, moving his family to Detroit, MI, for one year, where he completed a master's degree in chemistry.
John loved his students, and took their education seriously, often staying after school to help a student with a particularly challenging chemistry problem or experiment. Many future doctors, nurses, chemists, and engineers would come up to John in his later years, thanking him for how well he had prepared them for college.
While teaching was John's first love, he never shied away from helping out and taking a lead role when the job called for it. He is remembered as one of the "founding fathers" of the nationally recognized Quincy Conference, a leading symposium for educators from around the state and beyond, that was first held in 1972 and continues in Quincy to this day. That same year, John was named the Quincy Senior High School Teacher of the Year. John later was to become director of the PIE school, Project to Individualize Education, one of the schools that made up the Education By Choice (EBC) program at Quincy Senior High beginning in 1974. John served in other volunteer capacities throughout his teaching career, including student teacher coordinator, special science teacher for St. Mary's school, CCD instructor, and QHS union rep, as he was known to be "outspoken" at times during his teaching career. John also served as assistant basketball coach for Sherrill Hanks on the 1962 Blue Devil Basketball team that finished 3rd in the state, earning him a spot in the QHS Sports Hall of Fame.
In addition to the many education-related positions John held in his teaching career, he also 'moonlighted" with many different second jobs during that time to feed his growing family. John worked as a cookie salesman for Nabisco, a shoe salesman for Bowman's Shoes, a chemist with Moorman Manufacturing in the protein lab, and finally as a real estate salesman for Awerkamp & Hays Century 21 from 1985-2007, including 17 years after he retired from teaching. John excelled at every job he ever tackled, as evidenced by his addition to the Century 21 One Million Dollar Sales Club in 1990.
John had many interests outside of school. He was an original member of what began as a teachers poker club, that lasted from 1963 - 2019, once a month for 56 years! His son, John, became a special addition to the club when he joined the monthly game for the last several years of its existence. He also enjoyed fishing for walleye at Meyer Dam on the Mississippi River, passing on his love for fishing to all 4 of his children. John became an avid follower of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, even traveling to the Rose Bowl in 2008 with Greg. Later in life, John took up golf and continued playing cards, including what was estimated to be at least 12,000 games of gin!
John Engelmeyer will be remembered as a devoted father, husband, grandfather, teacher, and friend. As a member of St. Francis Parish, John was devoted to his faith and previously served as a lectern at St. Mary's Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
A celebration of John's life will be held by the family at The Elks on May 7, 2022 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to join the family during this time.
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Memorial donations may be made to Quincy Public Schools Foundation (Science Programs), Alzheimer's Association or St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"John was an outstanding teacher and great human being. I considered him a good friend and enjoyed working with him on the first Quincy Conference. He was a servant leader in all of his endeavors and was always willing to go the extra mile for students. I will be unable to attend the celebration of his life since I will be out of town taking care of grandkids. My deepest sympathies to the Engelmeyer family. "
"I was wondering what ever became of John, my just told me to Google his name , much to my surprise I pulled up his name for his obituary ! I had him in chemistry class at Teutopolis High School class of 1960! I to can relate to a statement how he would take time to help a student of chemistry , I was one of students! May John Rest In Peace!! Will always remember John and forever Share the Memories ! Frannie Gardewine !!!"
"Thoughts and prayers for the loss of your dad, Mark. Both your mom and dad were an exemplar couple many years ago at St Boniface in Quincy. "
"What a special teacher John was. He helped take an introverted shy country boy and assist in making him into a teacher - me! He had an extra special talent of causing each student to have the self confidence and self esteem of achievement. A day about 20 years ago as I was walking through the Quincy Mall I heard my name shouted out and as I looked at the person saying my name it was John Engelmeyer. Since it had been over 20 years since I had seen him I said, ?Mr Engelmeyer, how in the world would you recognize me by name??. He responded with a comment that is forever etched in my mind, ?Larry, you remember the good students and the bad students and I?ll let you decide which you were!? May Mr. Engelmeyer forever Rest In Peace and his family be so very proud of being so closely associated with this great teacher and contributor to society???? Larry Fischer"
"Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the entire Engelmeyer family. May God bring peace and comfort to all who are mourning. John is greatly loved and our memories of him will be treasured forever. I am thankful to John for countless moments, words of encouragement (in high school and beyond), and both his fatherly love and friendship through the years. But most of all, I am thankful God chose him to be Papa John for Kylie & Nicole! He has been a wonderfully amazing and attentive grandfather since day one, and I couldn?t couldn?t have asked God for anything better for my girls. John?s presence in their hearts is a gift to cherish immensely as he will be sorely missed on earth. "
"John Engelmeyer was the kind of teacher that inspired people to become the best version of themselves that they could possibly be . I know my interest in Science started at QHS and has continued for a lifetime of teaching . Whenever I ran into him after becoming a teacher , he always wanted to know about my adventures . He would chuckle right now if I could share my adventures of teaching Science with the Kindergarten at his beloved St Francis . Rest In Peace , Mr. Engelmeyer , your legacy and the love of learning will carry on . Always your student , Julie (Baymiller) Bice "
"Mr Englemeyer not only sold shoes with my older brother, he was a realtor for my mothers home after teaching a long line of a Disselhorst children. He stayed after school to assist me with an upcoming test. (I aced that test btw) Mr Englemeyer was on the riverboat cruise/buffet where my husband and I announced our engagement to my in-laws. Many fond memories of him. RIP Mr Englemeyer. "
"Certainly one of the best , if not the best, teachers i ever had, always treated me as an adult, with respect, even though i was only 16. Later we became friends for many years, as i saw John at many gigs i played in quincy and hannibal and the area. John was always dancing, and had a smile for everyone. Tom Newkirk"
"Wonderful teacher. A pioneer in getting women into the math and sciences."
"Thank you to an amazing teacher who believed in me when I didn?t believe in myself. ??"
"I had John as a chemistry teacher at QHS. A great teacher with a great sense of humor. Our prayers are with the family. May you find comfort in a lifetime of wonderful memories. John Wingate"
"Mr. Engelmeyer was my high school chemistry teacher. Because of him, I decided to major in chemistry in college. I?ve been working in the pharmaceutical industry for over 35 years developing new drugs to meet unmet needs. Thanks for helping me to get off to a good start! Janet Naught DeLeon, QHS class of 1982"
"John was a man for all seasons. I remember so many things about him, but what stands out the most to me was his great sense of humor. There was no shortage of humorous banter at the lunch table each day. But he also proved himself to be a kind and compassionate mentor to his students and younger educators with whom he worked. He was a super proud father and kept us up to date about the achievements of his kids and was a devoted husband to Mimi. He enjoyed hard work and was proud of his accomplishments in "farm management." I will miss him and his wry smile and joking nature. "Rest easy my longtime friend.""
"A great teacher, mentor and friend. RIP Beano! You will certainly be missed here. Praying for him, his family, friends and students, and Celebrating a long life well lived! Welcome Home good and faithful servant! Come and enter into your Master's Joy!"
"We are sadden by the news of your father?s passing. He was such a kind sweet man, he will be missed by all! We send our condolences and prayers to each of you. May God be with you and your families! Sincerely, Holy Cross Church of Ilasco, Delores Treat and Jacky (Brothers) Imhof"
"Great teacher. He taught me a lot. He helped me with my chosen profession. Mr. Engelmeyer, you made a difference. Thank you. Godspeed!"
"Ann and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was my QHS chemistry teacher and influential in my selecting Chemical Engineering as my college major and profession (of 40+ years). May his memories be a blessing and a comfort."
"I drove John crazy when I was in high school, but he was a caring teacher, and was always trying to help me. It was obvious that he loved teaching. My condolences to the family on your loss. Dennis Fisk"
"I had Mr. Engelmeyer at QHS as my Chemistry teacher. I also helped him with class prep when I was a senior. He was such a great man."