Dr. Donald E. Hardbeck

Dr. Donald E. Hardbeck, 88, died at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at his home in Godfrey.  He was born November 13, 1928 in rural Edwardsville the son of the late George Hardbeck Sr. and Clara (Stahlhut).  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a member of Immanuel U.M.C. Church in Edwardsville. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from Shurtleff  College in 1957.  He began his career as a chemist at Shell Oil Company in Wood River. He continued his education and went on to  graduate  June 7, 1963 from  University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago.   He did his residency at City Hospital in East St. Louis, IL.   He was the Doctor for Fairmont Park Race Track and was a Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Alton for over 50 years where he delivered over 15,000 babies.  He lived for his work and always put his patients first.  From his farm roots, he was an avid gardner and yard specialist and always a great Cardinal fan and season ticket holder.   On August 1, 1954 in Alton, he married Dorothy Voumard and she preceded him in death on April 26, 2011.  Surviving are four daughters; Donna Hardbeck of Godfrey, Beth Bradley (Sean) of Kansas City, MO, Janet Hardbeck of Godfrey and Karen Arensmann (Frank) of Godfrey, four grandchildren; Phillip Goodrich of Godfrey, Glen Bradley of Washington D.C., Siobhan Bradley of Kansas City, MO, and Amelia Arensmann of Godfrey.  He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister; Vernon Hardbeck, George Hardbeck Jr.  and Dorothy Heinrich.  Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Jackie Havis-Shear officiating.  Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.  Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.  Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home