Wilfred Langel (1926-2022)

LANGEL, KLUESNER, MILLARD

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/1/2022 at 16:49:36

Bill Langel, 95, of Oelwein, Iowa, died peacefully on Saturday evening, January 29, 2022, at Oelwein Health Care Center in Oelwein.
Public Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 4, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oelwein, with Rev. Paul McManus officiating. A Private Family Visitation will be held with a Rosary and a Scripture Service at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein. Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa. Memorials will be directed to Sacred Heart Church. Condolences may be directed to: 1007 1st Street NE, Oelwein, IA 50662. Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing and masks are suggested at the visitation and service.
Wilfred John “Bill” Langel was born on October 11, 1926, in Luxemburg, Iowa, the son of Raymond & Henrietta (Kluesner) Langel. He graduated from St. Boniface Catholic High School in New Vienna in the class of 1944. Bill was united in marriage to Evelyn Roen Millard on November 25, 1948, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in McPherson, Kansas. Bill & Evey lived in Elkader until the family moved to Oelwein in 1952. Bill owned and operated Langel Standard Gas Station in Oelwein from 1952 to 1988. He later worked part-time at Iowa Motor and Dave’s Standard in Fayette. Bill was a true Standard Oil man; he will be remembered for his customer service with a friendly smile. He worked long hours at the service station, changing his customer’s oil, installing new brakes or fixing a flat tire and then washing the car when he was all done, many times working late to accomplish the task at hand. That attitude carried over into all parts of Bill’s life. Bill also worked part-time at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Homes as a funeral usher. If you spent any time with Bill, you were always sure that he would know everyone you encountered that day. He enjoyed seeing all of his old customers and it was quite evident that they were very happy to have a chance to catch up with him too. You couldn’t help but like Bill after he drew you in with his infectious laugh and smile.
Bill was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Rosary Society. He had been active on the parish council where he previously served as chairman and was also active with the R.C.I.A. program, helping to welcome new members to the Catholic Church. Bill was a member of the Oelwein Knights of Columbus and was a past board member of the Oelwein Chamber of Commerce. Bill loved going fishing with his family and friends. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and he was so happy when they won the World Series.
Bill is survived by his Daughter: Debbie (Andrew) Bowmer of Palm Coast, Florida; 5 Sons: Mark Langel of Oelwein, Phil Langel of Oelwein, Kurt (Bobi) Langel of Marion, Marty (Janice) Langel of Cedar Rapids & Paul Langel of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 9 Grandchildren; 6 Great Grandchildren; 6 Siblings: Verna Mae White of Monticello, Patricia Vaske of Garnavillo, Eldora (Tony) Koopman of Dyersville, Richard (Marge) Langel of Oelwein, Charles Langel of Waterloo and Robert Langel of Dubuque; 2 Sisters-In-Law: Helen Langel of Luxemburg & Shirley Langel of Mt. Pleasant and many Nieces & Nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Evey on May 3, 2013; baby daughter: Mary; grandson: Timothy Langel; 2 brothers: Jerome & Bernard; 2 sisters: Kathleen Kerper & Carol Ann Platz; and 2 brothers-in-law: Marvin Vaske & Jim Kerper.