Manfred D. Engelmann

June 1, 1930 – February 8, 2025

Dr. Manfred “Monty” David Engelmann, 94, of North Riverside, IL died at Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care, North Riverside, IL on February 8, 2025.

He was born June 1, 1930, in Chicago, IL to Victor and Rose Engelmann, growing up in the south-side Roseland neighborhood. Monty graduated from Fenger High School in 1949 before attending Northwestern University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and met his wife of 62 years, Patricia Park Engelmann.

Monty continued his path of higher education earning a master’s degree in entomology from University of Illinois in 1955, and a PhD in zoology from University of Michigan in 1960. He then accepted a faculty position in the Department of Natural Science at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, where he taught for 35 years while raising his family.

Monty thrived as a professor at MSU, focusing primarily on guiding students through their freshman and sophomore years. He was especially proud of his “Science, Technology, and Human Values” course. He loved riding his bike to and from campus not only to benefit the environment but also for the daily exercise.

An outdoorsman from his youth, Monty enjoyed camping, canoeing, and exploring in nature. As teenagers, he and a friend traveled to Minnesota for an unforgettable adventure in the Boundary Waters. He spent memorable childhood summers at his family’s cottage on Flint Lake in Valparaiso, IN. As his family grew to three children, he purchased 40 acres in northern Michigan and built his own cabin. “The Prop” has since been a cherished wilderness refuge where Monty and Pat enjoyed birdwatching, kayaking on the pond, and hosting many wonderful family gatherings.

Monty was dedicated to his faith, and he and Pat were early members of the University United Methodist Church in East Lansing, MI. He sang in the choir for 50 years, provided leadership by chairing many different committees, and was deeply involved in the church community.

Monty was preceded in death by Victor and Rose Engelmann (parents), Siegfried Engelmann (brother), Gerhardt Engelmann (brother), Patricia Park Engelmann (wife) and Paul Engelmann (son). He is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Engelmann (Helge Pedersen) and Jennifer Moody (Palmer Moody), daughter-in-law Sarah Engelmann, and five grandchildren, David Engelmann, Samantha Moody, Frederick Moody, Thomas Engelmann and Astrid Pedersen, as well as seven nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 11:00 a.m., at University United Methodist Church, 1120 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI, (517) 351-7030.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations that Monty supported:

The Nature Conservancy https://preserve.nature.org/page/80429/donate/1

Union of Concerned Scientists https://support.ucsusa.org/match/