Soap Box Derby Hall of Famer Jack Engelke Has Died

Jack Engelke, who had a long history of volunteer efforts for local, regional and national Soap Box Derby activities, died on Monday, November 28, at his home in Naperville, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. He was 80.

Jack grew up in Wisconsin, where his first involvement with the Soap Box Derby was as a competitor in the 1955 Milwaukee race.

He was instrumental in the 1980s in establishing the Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby program, which he served for many years in a variety of volunteer posts.

Jack served the All-American Box Derby organization as a regional director and helped develop the Stock Car in 1992. He also helped organize the rally program and served as its commissioner for 11 years beginning in 1995.

He joined the All-American Soap Box Derby’s board of directors in 1995. He was elected the organization’s treasurer in 2007, and later served as secretary. He became an honorary director in 2016.

Jack was inducted into the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in 2012.

He was a principal of Hindin/Owen/Engelke, a corporate finance and institutional placement firm.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 3 from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home, 15219 Joliet Road, Plainfield, Illinois 60544, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.