Joseph E. Langhamer
Joseph E. Langhamer of Darien, Illinois for 85 years. Born May 8, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois (Native of Bridgeport) and died June 22, 2020 in Hinsdale, Illinois. He is survived by his wife Collette M. Langhamer, son Joseph C. Langhamer wife Judy, son David W. Langhamer wife Dawn, daughter Janice M. (Bingaman) husband Rick, son Mark S. Langhamer wife Renee (deceased), daughter Jacqueline A. (Corcoran) husband Scott, 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, brother Ronald wife Karen, sister Clarice (Hofer) husband Fred. Attended St. Bridget’s grammar school, De La Salle Institute where he excelled as a baseball player, following high school was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and also played for the Washington Senators AAA baseball, worked as an engineer with Cook County Highway Department, during the 1960’s through the 1980’s worked as a Business Representative for Plumber’s Union Local 130 (27 Years) and served as Chairman of the Building Trades Safety Committee and worked as the Assistant Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Transportation. Joseph and his wife Collette enjoyed their retirement at their country house in Lake Shelbyville, Illinois, fishing, boating and enjoying the outdoors. Joseph was a devout lifelong practicing Catholic. Funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Church and interment at Resurrection Cemetery will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Downers Grove 630-964-6500
EULOGY OF JOSEPH E. LANGHAMER
Joseph was born on May 8, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois in the Bridgeport neighborhood. He is survived by his wife Collette M. Langhamer, his son Joseph C. Langhamer wife Judy, his son David W. Langhamer wife Dawn, his daughter Janice M. (Bingaman) husband Rick, his son Mark S. Langhamer, wife Renee (deceased), his daughter Jacqueline A. (Corcoran) husband Scott, his 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, his brother Ronald wife Karen and his sister Clarice (Hofer) husband Frederick.
Joseph attended St. Bridget’s grammar school, De La Salle Institute where he excelled as a baseball player. After high school Joseph married Collette and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and also played for the Washington Senators AAA baseball. Joseph worked as an engineer with Cook County Highway Department. During the 1960’s through the 1980’s Joseph worked as a business representative for Plumber’s Union Local 130 (27 Years) and served as Chairman of the Building Trades Safety Committee and worked as the Assistant Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Transportation.
Joseph and Collette enjoyed retirement at their country house in Lake Shelbyville, Illinois, fishing, boating and enjoying the outdoors.
Joseph was a devout lifelong practicing Catholic attending mass regularly on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
Joseph was very dedicated to his family enjoying fishing, baseball, golf and the outdoors with them. Joseph worked exhaustively giving 150% effort in whatever occupation he had throughout his career. Joseph worked in an ethical manner with great dedication as he enjoyed helping others as much as possible.
All of Joseph’s kids chipped in and drove him to dialysis and doctor’s appointments, which provided valuable one on one time with each of his sons and daughters. This was a very special time as Joseph was winding down and transitioning into the next world. Seeing Joseph suffer and endure the many medical procedures that he did, was very difficult for the family to witness. Joseph showed tremendous strength throughout the medical adversities that he was faced with.
All of Collette’s doctors marveled at the stellar job Joseph did caring for Collette as they all mentioned that was the main reason why Collette was still alive and healthy. Joseph’s children did not know how he did what he did on a daily basis running the house, battling on the phone with insurance companies, maintaining and ordering prescriptions for Collette and himself, corresponding with doctor’s offices, all while battling congestive heart failure, kidney disease and macular degeneration.
Dear Dave and Joe,
It’s been a long time since the old St. Jane’s days. I remember meeting your father decades ago. What I recall was his utter love, devotion and interest in his children. May he be filled with joy in heaven. May the peace and love of Christ surround you and your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Irene O’Ryan-Fox
Irene:
Thank you much for your very kind words. It was extremely thoughtful of you to leave us this message. Our family is so fortunate to have had such a wonderful Father for so many years. He was loving, fiercely loyal and tough as he always looked out for our family. We all learned so much from him and he very much made us who we are. We will greatly miss him. I remember your family being so close knit and truly genuine. We are both so lucky in that regard. Take care and I hope that you and your family are doing very well. All the Best, Dave.
Today, Sept. 16, 2020, I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Joe’s death. He was a true friend for many years. Joe was always devoted to a cause of greater good for others. I offer to all his family my deepest sympathy and loving prayers Joe would often speak of his love and concern for Collette and all of his family. He loved you all immensely. I just know he has found his peace in God’s loving arms. Amen. RIP.