Fr. David R. Engbarth

Reverend David R. Engbarth died peacefully on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, in Largo, Florida, where he was a resident since retiring from active ministry in the Diocese of Rockford in 2014. Father Engbarth was born on August 24, 1948, in Rockford, Illinois, to Joseph M. Engbarth and Frances E. (Giovingo) Engbarth. He attended Lewis University in Lockport, Illinois (1967-1969). Followed by attending Niles College in Chicago, Illinois (1969-1971). He then attended St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland (1971-1975), where he received his Master’s degree in Theology. He then went to Aquinas Institute in Dubuque, Iowa (1975-1976), where he received his Theological Formation. In 1979, Father attended Loyola University, Chicago, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Father Engbarth was ordained a priest by the Most Reverend Arthur J. O’Neill at St. Joseph Parish, Freeport, Illinois, on November 20, 1976. Father’s first assignment was in 1976 as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish, Sterling, Illinois. He was then assigned Parochial Vicar at Holy Angels Parish, Aurora, Illinois (1979-1984). In 1984, Father Engbarth traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico, where he took bilingual and multi-cultural studies. Later that same year, he was appointed as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Elgin, Illinois (1984-1986). Father was assigned as Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Elgin (1986-1992). Father Engbarth then served as Sacramental Moderator at St. Nicholas Parish, Aurora (1993-1996). Father was appointed Pastor at St. Nicholas Parish, Aurora (1996-2005). Next, he was assigned Pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, Aurora (2000-2003). In 2006 Father was assigned as Administrator at St. Andrew Parish, Rock Falls, Illinois; and was later assigned Administrator at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Aurora (2006-2007). In 2007 Father was assigned as Pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Aurora (2007-2014). As co-founders Father Engbarth and pastor Dan Haas of Aurora Community Church, formed the Prayer Coalition for Reconciliation, a group that held prayer vigils for victims of violence in Aurora. Farther Engbarth also served as a volunteer chaplain at the Kane County Jail where he visited inmates. As an acknowledgment of his dedicated service to the larger community, he was awarded the 2008 Kane County Citizen of the Year. Father retired from active ministry on April 7, 2014. Since retirement, Father Engbarth provided ministry to both English and Spanish speaking members of the faithful in numerous parishes in the St. Petersburg Diocese and was active in jail ministry. He was known for his deep faith, optimism, his infectious smile, and love for people. Father is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Frances Engbarth, and his sister Linda Holtfreter. Father is survived by his sister Karen Dittmar, his nephews Scott Dittmar (Lisa), Craig Dittmar (Bridget), and nieces Julia Buelow and Jamie Holtfreter, and by several great nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass for Father Engbarth will take place on Friday, December 15th, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Jude Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Florida. Here in the Diocese of Rockford, a visitation will take place on Thursday, January 4th, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., at The Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL 630-631-5500, wwwldaleidenmortuary.com. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 5th, at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 620 S. Fifth Street, Aurora. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Aurora, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made in Fr. David’s name to the Hesed House in Aurora, Illinois.

Fr. David R. Engbarth

August 24, 1948 - November 22, 2023