Langendorfer, Donald Robert 1914-1943

LANGENDORFER

Posted By: Tom Baack-Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/3/2014 at 06:42:45

**Le Mars Semi Weekly Sentinel Friday, February 26, 1943

Le Mars Youth Answers Call While On Duty
Donald Langendorfer Of Fort Ord Killed In Accident

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Langendorfer of Grant township received word Wednesday from authorities at Fort Ord, California, informing them of the death of their son, Donald Robert Langendorfer. The message said young Langendorfer was accidentally killed but contained no further details.

Donald Langendorfer entered the navy last September, and was stationed at Camp Ord where he was an instructor at the Fort, training army men to land in barges when disembarking from ships.

Born June 10, 1914, on the farm where his parents reside. Donald Robert Langendorfer attended school here and worked on the farm until he entered service.

He leaves to mourn his death his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Langendorfer, a sister, Mary Frances of Sioux City, and four brothers, Lowell and Lloyd of Hobart, Ind., Lester of Sioux City and Wendell living at home.

Arrangements for the funeral are incomplete, pending the arrival of the remains.

Services will be held in the First Methodist church with Rev. W. M. Hubbard officiating, and interment made in the city cemetery.

**Le Mars Semi Weekly Sentinel Tuesday, March 2, 1943

Last Rites For Young Sailor Held Monday
Donald Langendorfer Drowned On Duty When Boat Capsizes

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the First Methodist church for Donald Robert Langendorfer, who died Wednesday (February 23, 1943) at Fort Ord, Cal., while in the service of his country. The services, conducted by Rev. W. M. Hubbard, were largely attended.

Military honors were accorded by members of the American Legion and Company D of the Iowa National Guard, and a squad fired a volley over the grave as a parting salute.

Pall bearers were Gordon Gerling, Lyle Werley, Wayne Heusinkveld, John Langendorfer, Allen Hansen and Robert Grahlman.

Donald Langendorfer enlisted in the navy last September and was stationed at Camp Ord, where he was instructor, training army men to land in barges when disembarking from ship. He was accidentally drowned, according to authorities, when he was thrown from a boat when it capsized and he was struck on the head by some object.