Dorothy Linda Engelhardt

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Engelhardt, her parents, Leif Olsen and Grace (Wohlfeil) Olsen, her sister-in-law, Lolita (late George Holtz, late Hubert Fritz) Fritz, and her nephew George (late Karen) Holtz.

She was a wonderful mother to her daughter, Linda (James) Hall, grandmother to Andrew (Lizeth) Hall and Brian Hall, great-grandmother to Bella Hall, and grand aunt to Morgan Holtz, Heather (Jim) Banks, and George Holtz. She was also blessed with amazing friendships, many of which were formed early in her life and endured for 60+ years. She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her, but we take comfort in the fact that she has now been reunited with the many family members, friends, and much-loved pets who have gone before her.

Special acknowledgement to her long-time caregivers, Victoria Dosumu and Tejumade Olorode. We are so grateful for the care and kindness they provided throughout her final years.

A Valentine’s Day baby, Dorothy (or “Dot”) was born on February 14, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised during the Great Depression, her father passed away in 1928, but she gained a second father in Gerald Lynn when her mother re-married. She was especially close to her grandparents, Frank and Linda Wohlfeil, with whom she spent many memorable summers at the cottage at Diamond Lake in Mundelein.

She met husband Bob on January 28, 1940, when he first attended a meeting of the J.O.G. (Just Our Gang, or more commonly referred to as “Club”). They married in 1945 and welcomed daughter Linda in 1958. After living in Chicago, Des Plaines, and Arlington Heights, she and Bob moved to Barrington in 1973. After 33 wonderful years of marriage, Bob passed away in 1979.

Volunteering was always a cornerstone of Dorothy’s life including time spent as a Girl Scout leader, school aide, and an active member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Arlington Heights. Her love of reading inspired her to both work and volunteer at the Barrington Area Library, where she also served on the Friends of the Library board for 12 years.

A two-time cancer survivor, Dorothy was an avid traveler, visiting over 60 countries across six continents during her long and amazing life. Whether it was a tour, a cruise, or an Elderhostel trip, her annual vacations always brought her so much joy. She also loved gardening, feeding the birds, and watching the deer and other assorted wildlife that often frequented her yard.

A visitation will take place on Monday, May 6, 2024, from 4:00 PM until the time of her Celebration of Life at 7:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Interment private at Acacia Park Cemetery, Norridge, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dorothy’s honor can be made to either the Barrington Area Library (https://www.balibrary.org/about-us/1052) or Citizens for Conservation (https://citizensforconservation.org/ways-to-donate).

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.