Darrell Joseph Langan
December 4, 1937 ~ October 24, 2015
Darrell Joseph Langan, 77, passed away at home after a two-year battle with cancer on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 29, 2015, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Father David Beckman and Deacon Phil Saunders. Visitation: 2:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2015, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 5:30. Private family burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family requests attendees wear vibrant colors to represent the colors of nature, which Darrell cherished.
He was born in Platte Center, Nebraska, on December 4, 1937, to Harold and Leona (Melcher) Langan. Darrell graduated in 1956 from St. Mary's Catholic School, Waterloo, then served in the Army for eight years. Darrell married his devoted wife, Karen Vanderheyden on July 6, 1957, in Waterloo, Iowa. He was an entrepreneurial Master Plumber at Langan Plumbing Inc.'a company he founded. He was involved in the Regal Rack Club, was a friend of Bill's, and loved watching high school and college sports, especially the Hawkeyes.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; daughters, Candi (Bob) Lynch, Traci Vercande, and Stephanie (Pat) Hegseth; grandchildren, Taylor, Erin, and Clayton Lynch, Michael, Tony, and Rachel Hegseth, and Kyra and Derek Vercande; brothers, Dean, Keith, Norris, Danny, and Steve Langan; sisters, Bonnie (Ole) Holman and Sharon (Harry) Schmit; and numerous nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.
Darrell was an avid bow hunter, and had an immense love of nature and the world surrounding him. He also had a passion for photography, fishing, and wood carving. Darrell was an inventor, and had several patents for some of his creations. He was an author, having several of his works published. Darrell will be thoroughly remembered as a man of faith, a loving family-man, and a friend to everyone he met'his charisma, humor, and that twinkle in his eye will never be forgotten by those who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kevin Langan; and brother, Bill Langan.
Darrell's family would like to thank the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, Hospice of Mercy, Dr. Reid, Dr. Wood, and Dr. Hanawalat, and the many doctors, nurses, and caregivers who took such great care of Darrell during his illness.
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Langan family. Know you will all miss Darrell immensely but am sure knowing that he is no longer suffering is a great comfort to you all. Know you all will always cherish the many wonderful memories of the years you had together.
Bill & Donna Frese
what a great picture of him ! Thinking of all of you. Take care of each other. Kelly Boe
During this very sad time, may you find comfort from your memories, your beautiful family and those that care for you. I pray that God’s peace will surround you…..
Darrell Langan Family,
Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers at the passing of Darrell. I remember him as a fair and honest businessman who happened to make a positive difference in our world.
Deacon Bob Hurych
Karen, Stephanie, Candi and Traci: Darrell held a special place in my heart. He inspired me at a young age to appreciate the wonders of mother nature. They were lessons that I always cherished and passed on to my sons. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Tim Rogers
I had the pleasure of working with Darrell at Home Depot for awhile and he was one of the kindest loving people I have ever met. If the world only had more people like Darrell what a wonderful world it would be! My condolences to his family, and my prayers to you all .
So sorry for your loss, my prayers go up for you.
My condolences to the entire family. I will remember and pray for Darrell forever. I hired him at the Home Depot and he was a true joy to be around. His professional expertise was wonderful, but it was all of his interests and hobbies outside of work that fascinated me. He was always going to get me one of his books to read, but it never happened. He was a very kind, very gentle soul, filled with the light of God. I’ll never forget the embrace we shared at the funeral of his son. I only wish I had known something sooner so as to visit with him one more time. He came to St. Patrick’s once in a while, and it always seemed to be when I was lectoring. He’d tell me he had been there and heard me, but I never picked him out. But I know church and faith were priorities. I admire him for so many things. God Bless Darrell, and peace. See you on the other side!
My condolences to the family on the loss of Darrell. I had the privilege of meeting this sweet, kind spirited man who loved God and his family more than life itself, because of my Father Bob Slaton owning Ken Way Sewer Service. and I worked in the office there. Langan Plumbing was one of the best plumbing companies in Cedar Rapids. Darrell and Kevin took pride in their work and ran a respected business. Darrell was a man that you could talk to easily. His love for reading and the great outdoors always encouraged me. His smile was contagious and he has touched the Slaton family in many ways.
Until we meet again, JoAnn Slaton-Sexton
Traci – My heart goes out to you and your family. May God comfort all of you during this very difficult time. I never had the pleasure of meeting your Dad, but I feel like I at least knew him a little bit thru the stories you have shared with me. Your Dad was an amazing man and your love, admiration and respect for him is obvious. As we both know, he is in a much better place and God has welcomed him with open arms. I hope you and your family take great comfort in that. Now he can enjoy nature and all of God’s creations all day, every day, in the comfort that only God provides. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all.
Our deepest sympathy to the Langan family.
St. Mary’s High School Alumni
Thoughts and prayers to the family, so sorry for your loss.
Traci-may you find comfort in your memories of your dad and peace in knowing his spirit lives on in each of you. God Bless.
We are so sorry for your loss, Karen. Don Kieler always told us of his friend Darrell & how they shared their love of the outdoors & photography. Men like that are few & far between. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely,
Sylvia (Humpal)Witt & Dick Witt
Prayers of comfort for you and your family Candi. Thinking of you.
Karen, Candi, Tracey, Stephanie and all of the Langan Clan, The memories are to numerous to try and share here. I can’t say that I have ever known anyone quite like Darrell Langan. He was an incredibly important part of my life in my teenage years and even though we did not see each other often in my adult years, he will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. He taught me many life lessons and I will always be grateful for the time we spent hunting, fishing, learning and celebrating. Thank you for sharing him with the A’Hearn family. I look forward to seeing you again one day Darrell. John 14:1-3 Our sincere condolences, BJ & Kelli A’Hearn
Prayers and thoughts for your and your family, Candi!
He was a good man, and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
I learned a lot of life lessons at the Langan household; Darrell was and is a huge influence in my life growing up and now. His presence will be missed in this world but his presence will also be felt by those he touched for their lifetime. What a great man! Love to all the Langans.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Langan family for your great loss.
So sorry to see the news on this long-time friend. Knew Darrell because of his relationship with Parker Heating and Air Conditioning and the work he did for us over the years.. Also because I had Kevin at Regis and Kevin and my daughter, Jackie, dated for a wile. Both wonderful men and it’s been a pleasure to have known them. Our sincere sympathy to all that loved him. Kathy and Jack McArtor…Jackie Hernandez.
The Langan and Shulgin family have shared A LOT of memories! Sending thoughts and prayers to the Langan family! Darrell is with Marge and Ed telling stories!
Mary Shulgin
I can run faster, jump higher, dig deeper and come up drier than any %*@&!*+ around!!!!! I love Darrell and all he taught me over the years. He truly lived all stages in life and did not get cheated on the important things. Vayo con dios, my friend!
Darrel, you taught me all about a power greater than myself, and for a time, if was you my friend. Love and miss you so, I can still feel you in the rooms……..we love and adore you, thank you for all the wisdom and love, Patty & Rita GlassWall God Bless you Karen and your whole family!
Karen and all. I became very fond of your family years ago and am sorry to learn of Darrell’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Sue Hutchins
I’m truly lucky to have had Darrell (“Mr Langan” to me) and the entire Langan family in my life while growing up. He helped mold me into the person I am today. What a blessing it was to listen to his hunting and fishing stories, get boxing lessons, and learn from such a spirited individual. I think I spent more time at the Lagan household than I did at my own. Even though we did not communicate much over the years, not a day went by I didn’t think about those days and relish the memories. Gonna miss ya man. RIP. Peace/Love/Aloha, and hugs to all.