Funeral Details

Stephen Engelman, age 77, passed peacefully Sunday at his home in Evanston, surrounded by his loving family and devoted caregivers.

Born December 2, 1945 to Robert S. Engelman and Mary Straus Engelman, Steve grew up in Highland Park, IL with older brothers Denny (deceased), Robert Jr (Lynn Van Buren), twin brother John, and younger sister Mary [Scooter] Hathorn (Byron). Steve was an outstanding student and an avid swimmer who held the Highland Park High School freestyle relay record for 30 years.

Steve attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the Army. A vocal anti-war protester, Steve was honorably discharged as a conscientious objector after serving 18 months; his experience fighting the draft inspired a lifelong fascination and deep respect for the law. Steve received his JD with honors from Chicago-Kent College of Law and opened the Legal Clinic of Engelman and Smith in a storefront on Chicago Avenue in Evanston in 1976 with dear friend Mark Smith. He retired from the firm in 2018.

In 1975, Steve married Betsy Stern Engelman, the love of his life. During their 50 years together, Steve and Betsy cherished countless memories of skiing, traveling the world, and sharing laughter and good times with their wonderful group of friends. They raised four children, who love them both fiercely: Josh Engelman (Eve Teipel), Karen Storms-Rohm (John), Katie Bergart (Dave), and Jane MacLean (Dan). Steve’s 8 grandchildren adored their PopPop.

Steve served as Evanston Township Tax Assessor from 1984 - 1991, and Alderman of Evanston’s 7th Ward from 1991 - 2003. Known for his civility, keen intelligence, and long gray ponytail, Steve was instrumental in the development of the Northwestern University/Evanston Research Park and Church Street Plaza.

Burial will be held privately. A memorial celebrating Steve’s life will be held at Lake Shore Country Club, 1255 Sheridan Rd, Glencoe on Saturday, May 6th from 3-6pm. Memorial donations in Steve’s name can be made to the Evanston Community Foundation, 1560 Sherman Road, Suite 535, Evanston, IL 60201, www.evanstonforever.org or organizations supporting Parkinson’s or cardio-vascular health research. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.