Mount Carmel's 'Coach E' Loses Battle with Pancreatic Cancer

Beloved Mount Carmel teacher and coach Curt Ehrenstrom, died late Monday evening after an almost year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 52.

“Coach E,” as he was known to his Mount Carmel High School family, taught physics and coached varsity football and water polo. He was also an alumni of the Catholic boys' high school, graduating with the class of 1979.

In 2013, he was named a Golden Apple Award recipient for excellence in teaching. A colleague described Ehrenstrom as a “Renaissance man.”

“[In] teaching Physics, [Curt Ehrenstrom] manages to seize the imagination of his students like a superior novel might, and like a symphony conductor, he teaches students to savor the harmonies of the principles of Physics. He exposes students to the conundrums of problems and problem-solving experiences like studying a new philosophy might pose. He is a humanist in a lab coat, and that’s why he succeeds.”

Watch the video of Curt Ehrenstrom receiving the Golden Apple Award. 

Shortly after he received the prestigious teaching award, Ehrenstrom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He faced his illness with bravery and a wicked sense of humor.

“Every hour is an adventure. This morning I felt terrible. My legs hurt. I took a nap, took some medication and since I’ve been up, I’ve felt great,” Ehrenstrom told Southtown-Star. “You talk about making plans? I don’t buy green bananas.”

A team of colleagues, students, friends and families formed the Odd Squad team in homage to this funny man, which raised $25,000 last month in the Pancreatic Cancer Network 5K run and walk.

Mount Carmel held an all-school prayer service for Coach E. Counselors were also made available to students and staff members, the school’s website announced.

“Coach E will be greatly missed as he has touched so many lives in the past 30 years here at Mount Carmel as an educator, mentor, coach, colleague and friend,” Fr. Tony Mazurkiewicz wrote.

Ehrenberg leaves his wife, Shellie, and four children, Jon, Charlotte, Zac and Luke.

Arrangements for the wake and funeral, which will be held at Mount Carmel High School, are pending.