Earl Enge

His journey through Parkinson's disease ended as he walked every step of the way: with his beloved wife Eleanor at his side. Earl was a gentle man and a loving husband, son, brother, brother in law, and uncle. His passions included political and environmental activism, sailing and music. His particular delight was harmonica music. He was a dreamer of dreams, a skilled wood artisan as well as a builder of boats. His humor, passion and music will be missed.

Earl was born in August 1927 to Willard and Mildred Enge in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After high school he joined the navy and served during World War II; the war ended shortly after he enlisted. After his return home he went to college in Wisconsin and taught in high schools there. Then he accepted a job teaching in Orleans, France in a high school for the children of American servicemen. He transferred to the school in Paris where he met Eleanor, who was teaching in the elementary school. After their marriage and return to the states he earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. at Western Michigan University and taught at Grand Valley University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When he retired, Earl and Eleanor moved to Florida, first to Pine Island and then a move to northern Florida, to Crawfordville, where the forests reminded him of his boyhood home in Wisconsin.

Besides his wife of 53 years, Eleanor, he is survived by his sister and brother in law, Maxine and William Wilcox of Black River Falls, Wisconsin; his niece Cynthia Sandberg and husband, Les; his niece Patricia Jacobson; his nephew Dr. David Wilcox and wife Jane; and several nieces and nephews and grand and great nieces and nephews. Earl is also survived by his sister in law Marian Brown of Portage, Michigan, and nieces Jan Brown and Beth Slate. There is a host of friends who will miss him.

There will be a celebration of his life in Wakulla County details to be announced later.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.