Don Langefeld, 85

It is with great sadness that Don Langefeld’s family:  Wife, Ann (Haradine) Langefeld; Daughters, Susan (Chuck) Detmar, Amy (Robert) Yustick, and Grandchildren, Charlie (Jacquelynn) Detmar, Teri (Trevor) Yorke, Abby Detmar, Bryce, Paige, and Blake Yustick announce his passing on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at his home from natural causes at the age of 85. He is also survived by nephews Mike (Cherie) Sarhatt, Greg (Cindy) Haradine, Jeff (Jamie) Haradine, niece Teresa Sarhatt, and sister in law, Betty Sarhatt. He was born on January 30, 1935 in Cincinnati, OH the son of Louis H. and Dorothy B. (Walters) Langefeld. Many of Don’s lifelong pursuits took root while growing up in Cincinnati. His Dad, Lou, was a golf pro and greens keeper and from a young age Don helped his father tend to the greens and developed his love for golf. Don continued to design and care for his own landscaping with meticulous attention to detail. Each year he carefully designed a theme for his annual flower placement on paper and sculpted his lawn to perfection. The family’s favorite flower design was a theme Don announced as “I Call it Fiesta”.
Don also enjoyed hockey from a young age by helping his Dad as a scorekeeper for the Cincinnati Mohawks during the 1950s. Don continued his love for skating and knocking the puck around and every so often if the winter weather and winds were just right, Corey Lake would transform into a smooth skating rink and Don could take his skills out on the lake. Don graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH in 1957. He was a member of the SAE fraternity and developed many lifelong friendships along with meeting the love of his life, Ann. Don’s piercing blue eyes and gregarious personality won her over and they became a “Miami Merger”, united in marriage on June 6, 1959. A generation of sacrifice, Don and Ann found themselves driving to a military base in Clovis, New Mexico immediately following the wedding. Don and Ann celebrated their Diamond Anniversary with family last summer at their home on Corey Lake.
Upon his discharge from the military, Don joined the Ford Motor Company. Don had a unique ability to tell stories, knowing just where to place emphasis, where to draw out the suspense, and where to take a few creative liberties. It is perhaps his gift for story telling that contributed to his successful career in
the Sales and Marketing group for Ford Motor company. His 29-year career took him across the country establishing many lifelong friendships. Don ended his career at Ford headquarters in Detroit as National Fleet Manager and was instrumental in establishing the successful Red Carpet Lease program for Ford Motor Co.
Upon retirement Don and Ann built their retirement home on the Richelieu Lodge family property on Corey Lake. They also became winter residents of Sanibel, Florida where they enjoyed many years of golf and forming friendships with members at the Sanctuary. Don treasured being able to spend time with his family after retirement in both wonderful locations. He carried his gift for story telling into his retirement and became the family toast giver. During family gatherings, Don would give a toast to specifically honor and acknowledge something special about each family member. To honor this tradition, we ask that you join us in a toast to celebrate Don’s legacy and for you to remember what made him special to you. It is comforting that Don’s life ended at his home on Corey Lake surrounded by his family, the only place he would have wanted to be. We will expect that heaven will never look better as Don gets to work planning out the perfect flower arrangement for his new home.

The Langefeld Family will hold a private celebration of his life this summer.

Memorial donations may be directed to Fabius Park Fire and Rescue or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Both organizations provided immense support for Don and his family. Envelopes are also available and may be sent to Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements.