Matthew Engels
Matthew (Matt) Engels died unexpectedly on July 21, 2024, at the age of 54.
Matthew is survived by his father, Bill Engels; wife Danielle (Grill); children, Lauren, Ben and Patrick; siblings, Elizabeth (Craig) Engels and Michael (Marianne) Engels. He is preceded in death by his mother, Rita Engels.
Matt was born on October 12, 1969, to Bill and Rita Engels. Matt attended St. Joseph high school and continued his education at the University of Illinois where he walked on to the baseball field as a catcher and walked away with a Big Ten championship. Matt bled Illini orange and blue, and his love for the team was infectious to those around him. Through ups and downs, wins and losses, good times and bad, his love for the Illini was unwavering and genuine.
“Coach Engels,” as he was known to many, took great joy and showed great patience sharing his talents and knowledge to those who shared his love of the game. Matt loved to tell the story of his trip to Cleveland with his brother to see his beloved Cubs win the World Series.
Matt and Danielle’s house was always open for anyone to stop by, there was a good chance Matt would be in the kitchen honing his culinary expertise to share with others. Matt cherished nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. Matt will be deeply missed by his many nephews, nieces, brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, and all those who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, reliability, and friendship that will be fondly remembered and never replaced. We all know life is short, so as Matt would say, “get out there and take some swings.”
Matt’s life will be honored with a visitation from 3 to 8pm on Friday, July 26th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside. Chapel prayers, 9am on Saturday, July 27th, from the funeral home to St. Cletus Church, 600 W. 55th St., LaGrange for a 10am Funeral Mass. Interment will take place privately.
The family requests donations be made to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-the-engels-family-after-the-loss-of-matt-engels
Funeral information: 708-352-6500
I knew Matt and Mike from U of I. Both outstanding, kind individuals. You could tell they were raised in a terrific family. Matt was a loyal friend with a super sense of humor. He’s going to be missed. Prayers to his family. ZAX Brother Klink. – Andy Findysz
Matt was a very special person in so many ways . I was blessed to have the opportunity to have him on our Knights baseball teams in the 80s and 90s but more blessed by his presence in my life . Matt personified kindness and was a genuine special person . God bless him with the promised land he solely deserves. My condolences to his family may the cherished memories of keep him alive in spirit.
Throughout our 40 years of baseball at Sedgwick Park, my wife Karen and I have many wonderful experiences and met many friends. One of the top people was Matt Engels, the catcher on the Men’s team called the Silver Sox. We knew him already as Bill Engels’ son, a player on the World Series Babe Ruth team. Anyway, he was one of the truly hardworking, nicest people you would ever want to meet.
Later, as his children grew up, he was back again as Coach Engels. Many times I would meet him at the Jewel Food store in Countryside and it would make grocery shopping a little bit more fun. I felt he was like another son and we will both miss him. Our truly heartfelt condolences go out to the Engels family.
I am so sorry for the loss of Matt
Danielle and I grew up together she was quite an amazing person .
Express my sympathy to Danielle her kids
The grill family and Engels family
Rip Matt
Deanna forney ( Breneisen )
My sincere condolences on Matt’s passing to the whole family. Matt used to work with us at Automated Business Designs. Matt used to joke it was his first time helping to build a new software system, not just using it! He was always positive, professional, sharp. Truly shocked by his untimely passing. May his memory be a blessing.
I worked with Matt and he was a great guy -always busting my chops about being a Packer fan- he was a good man. My condolences to the family.
I was neighbors with Matt as a kid in La Grange. We played little league at Sedgewick Park for a few seasons and he was always a kind, friendly and overall good guy. I’m sure that never changed over the years. My condolences to the entire Engels family.
I also consider Matt and Mike as great friends from ΛΧΑ at the U of I. There was a warmth about Matt’s personality that is unique. Now that I live a few hours away, I saw him less frequently, but I will long remember great times with Matt.
What an amazing man. I’m so honored to have known and worked with him. You are missed, Matt. Big hugs to his family. Love your Pontoon family. – Mindy
Sorry to hear about Matt’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with the Engels family at this time….Tom Connelly and family
Engels Family,
So very sorry to hear this news. Matt was an exceptional guy. Played ball with him at St Joe’s and he was so much fun to be around! Didn’t know him long but certainly remember him fondly with only good memories.
I remember Matt from our time at St. Joe’s. He was extremely intelligent and a lot of fun to hang around.
My most sincere condolences to Matt’s family. May your memories of Matt bring you some comfort.
I worked with Matt Engels for 2.5 years at AXIS and he was an amazing person! One of the best, really. He was nicest, and very honest and I feel lucky to have met him.
I shared great memories with Matt and always enjoyed his fun talks before during meetings. Every call with Matt was a good call. He will be dearly missed but I am sure he is in a better place. He will always be in my memory.
Miss you Matt!