John Enke was born on November 4, 1986, in Canton, SD, to David and Darla Hermsen Enke. He had a sister named Lyndsi. He attended elementary school in Beresford, SD, and Platte, SD, and graduated as the valedictorian of his class from Platte High School in 2005. During high school, he participated in drama, chorus, and athletics, serving as a co-captain of the football team during his senior year.
He commenced his undergraduate education at South Dakota State University, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2009. To fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor, he entered the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota, graduating in 2013. He was poised to commence his residency in Sioux Falls, SD, when his life tragically ended in June 2013.
John was consistently a kind, loving, and caring son and brother. When he became an uncle at an early age, he wholeheartedly devoted himself to his three nieces. His close friends observed a transformation in him during this time as he embraced the responsibilities and mentorship role for these girls and their futures. He consistently championed the underdog and demonstrated empathy, friendship, and compassion in his support for them. He held a close-knit group of interests, including music, movies, video games, sports, food, and good, clean fun.
He frequently expressed how his years at South Dakota State University were among the happiest moments of his life. It is with this sentiment that John Enke's family established the Memorial Fund in his honor. The external influences that shaped his character and nurtured his aspirations were a result of his experiences within his family, high school, and South Dakota State University. These experiences led to his aspiration of becoming a pediatrician. The family's intention is to honor John's memory by providing essential services to students at South Dakota State University who may be affected by mental health issues.
Suicide among young adults/teens is the second leading cause of death within this age group. ** The family and SDSU Counseling Services ** aim to promote access to suicide awareness and prevention for students, ensuring they are aware of the available help and guidance.
Greetings!
We hope you will consider a contribution to the John Enke Memorial Fund on Giving Tuesday. We appreciate your support in helping us create and provide suicide prevention and education opportunities at SDSU and in the community.
Thank you!
Support SDSU Counseling Services this One Day For State by giving to the John Enke Memorial Fund – your gifts will advance the promotion of suicide prevention and education for the SDSU Community! Give here: https://givenow.sdstatefoundation.org/one-day-for-state
230 days ago by Jacque DanielsonGreetings!
We are Julia Walker and Jacque Danielson, and we are co-planning the 2nd Annual John Enke Memorial 5K this year. We are excited about this year’s event, which will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, SD. This year’s event will begin at 9am with an art show featuring art that highlights the complexities of suicide and loss as well as gives hope and meaning after loss. Art pieces will be displayed at McCrory Gardens prior to the 5K to honor those lost and ignite conversations around suicide. At 10am, the 5K walk will begin with a route that leads participants through SDSU’s beautiful campus. The 5K is free, but registration is required at: The Second John Enke Memorial 5k Run/Walk: Suicide Prevention & Awareness Tickets, Sat, Sep 28, 2024 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite
Additionally, QPR suicide prevention training will be provided for those interested. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. QPR training is free; however, space is limited. Registration for QPR training can be found here: https://wellnesscenter.sdstate.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=0c20e149-d96d-47a4-9f02-750ff6bca3b0
Thank you for checking out our fund-raising page! We look forward to seeing you on September 28!
