Thomas Ennenga ’45

Tom died June 20, 2004, from complications of pneumonia in Freeport, Ill., his lifetime hometown.

Tom entered Princeton from Lawrenceville, son of Oscar Ennenga '14. In 1944, he married Ida Louise Curtis and in 1945 received a degree in economics magna cum laude and was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

He served with the 1st Marine Division as an artillery observer officer in Okinawa and China during World War II. Returning to Freeport, Tom became president of E&W Clothing House, a chain of stores founded by his grandfather in 1880. Tom was heavily involved in his community. He served on the board of the First National Bank of Freeport, and was active in Rotary International, the Chamber of Commerce, and Grace Episcopal Church. He served on the local school board, founded Highland Community College, and was a director of the Jane Addamsland Park Foundation.

Working with Ida Louise, he renovated the Cedar Creek Homestead birthplace of Jane Addams, founder of Hull House and the League for Peace and Freedom. Ida Louise's failing health prompted Tom to start a corporation to manufacture wheelchair accessories. She died May 19, 2004. A son, T. Curtis, also predeceased Tom in 1992. He is survived by son George '69, and daughters Constance E. Starns and Lucie E. Gadenne. The class extends sympathy to the family.

The Class of 1945