Donal G. Langendorf, 79, went to be with the Lord at 8:26 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Belleville Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born on March 25, 1947, in Highland, Illinois, the son of William H. and Irilla L. (Pape) Langendorf. He married Adrienne P. (Ulrich) on January 11, 1969, in New Douglas, Illinois. Together, they raised their three children. She preceded him in death on December 10, 1988. Don later married Karen S. (Dannenberg) on June 1, 1990, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, and she survives.
Don proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. Following his military service, he became the owner and operator of Langendorf Grocery Store in Hamel, where he worked from 1971 until 1989. He then worked as an EMT for several years before joining his wife, Karen, in the occupational health industry from 1989 to 1999 at Providence Occupational Health Services in Granite City. He finished his working career at DK's Market in Hamel, where he worked in the meat department.
Don was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto and American Legion Post 199 in Edwardsville. He also served as Captain of the Hamel Volunteer Fire Department.
Don had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. He loved playing card games and dominos, watching his grandchildren participate in sports, bowling, playing fast-pitch softball, where he also pitched. Don had a lifelong appreciation for Mopar muscle cars, owning several throughout the years. Most of all, Don cherished spending time with his family, friends, and especially his beloved dogs. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Along with his wife, Karen, Don is survived by his children, Donnie (Jenna) Langendorf of Hamel, Tony (Mollie) Langendorf of New Douglas, and Tara Vaughan of Hamel; six grandchildren, Dakota (Jess) Sellars, Colton (Emma) Sellars, Rylee (Tyler) Depper, Tyler Langendorf, Morgan Langendorf, and Addie Vaughan; six great-grandchildren, Levi, Ryan, Emmalyn, Tate, Lakeyn, and Dani; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Emmert (Gayle) Dannenberg, Dennis (Rene') Ulrich, and Alice (Mindy) Simpson; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Adrienne; and his infant brother, William D. Langendorf. He was also preceded in death by his inlaws, Quentin and Rose Ulrich and Lillian Dannenberg.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the ICU staff at Belleville Memorial Hospital for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Don and his family during his final days. Their wonderful care and compassion will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. The Hamel Volunteer Fire Department will provide a Final Salute at 6:30 p.m.
Visitation will continue on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. The service will be officiated by Pastor Kale Hanson and Pastor Brandon Metcalf.
Burial will follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Hamel, Illinois, with military honors performed by the Edwardsville American Legion and VFW Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to the Zion Building Fund.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and the guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.