Charles Enge Obituary

Coach Enge. Mr Tennis for me. So great to have you IN Norway and for being able to participate at the summer camp at Downers Grove Swim&Racket Club. RIP Chuck

Chuck was a proud man. He was very proud of his wife and his children. He was also proud to be a teacher and coach at Riverside Brookfield High School. I was lucky to have been his colleague for the RB years. It would be wonderful to view a clip of the before school coffee session or A lunch when Chuck was at his best.

Today they´d call him a counselor or life coach. Back then we called Chuck Enge the leader of our church´s high school discussion group. We didn´t admit it, but in reality it was a character-building class for unsuspecting high school kids like me. It was our weekly moral calisthenics. And Chuck Enge was our leader.
Actually Chuck was just the captain of that ship, carrying us out into often uncharted waters. Sue was always there too to calmly hold the course and keep the captain in line.
The goal of this weekly discussion group was a healthy discussion of any topic of the day - current events, high school dilemmas, moral quagmires. Regardless of the topic, Chuck always posed an endless volley of thought-provoking questions to get our minds bouncing. When our responses were superficial or routine, Chuck´s clear voice would cut through our clouds of mindless drivel, challenging us to explore for deeper, fuller answers. Another question, another response, a quiet summary, gentle instruction. And so it went.
Reality check. Every week I´d also listen for Chuck´s reference to tennis or Norwegians - the comment was always there somewhere behind his rye laugh and twinkling eyes.
I taught high school and middle school science for 25 years. Students and colleagues often remarked how I was always optimistic and asking questions, challenging them and hopeful at the same time. I credit that to my excellent life coach - Chuck Enge.

My deepest condolences to Coach's family. What a kind and incredible man. I knew Coach Enge from the Downers Grove Swim and Racquet Club. He coached myself, my mom and brother. He made tennis so damn fun (along with making us much better players) and his joy and enthusiasm spilled over into our lives outside of tennis. I've thought of him often since leaving Illinois and always with a smile on my face. Rest in Peace Coach <3

Rest in Peace, Coach!
you taught two generations of high school boys and girls to love tennis and put forth our best effort as good citizens

thanks Mr. Enge
from Mike Heine / RB´72 / RB Volunteer Tennis Ciach

I first met Coach Enge at the Downers Grove Swim & Racquet Club in the summer of 2004. I got my young family involved in tennis at the club, and then took tennis drills with him indoors at the Oak Brook Park District during the winter. He made tennis fun -- creating Breakfast at Wimbledon on the morning of the championships with drills and strawberries & cream. His enthusiasm and love of tennis got me back into the game I learned to love as a kid. My condolences to his family -- he was one of the good ones.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.