Merlin “Mac” Langkamp
Merlin “Mac” Langkamp
Merlin Langkamp
July 03, 1930 – December 23, 2012
Dubuque, Iowa
Served with Honor – United States Military Veteran
Mac was surrounded by the loving presence of his family as he passed from this world to his heavenly home on Sunday morning at his home in Dubuque. He fought a long and valiant battle with A.L.S.; he has finished the race and won the victory in Christ.
Merlin “Mac” Joseph Langkamp, 82, was born, July 3, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa to Clarence Bert and Emma Caroline Launspach Langkamp. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School and Central School. Mac’s first job was with Morrison Bros. in Dubuque as a core maker at age 16. He concluded his 50 year career with Morrison Bros. as the supervisor of the foundry, a position he held for many years. Mac enjoyed working at Morrison Bros. and the lifelong friendships he made while working there. He married Darlene Helen Cornish, September 9, 1950, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque. A week after they married he began serving in the U.S. Army, 5th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. Mac enlisted on January 18, 1949 and was honorably discharged as Sergeant on December 31, 1952. Following his discharge, he returned to Dubuque and resumed his career with Morrison Bros. In the 1970’s, Mac and Darlene ventured into the apartment business. They built two buildings with 18 units on the corner of Wildwood DR and West 32nd St. Because their home was part of the complex, they were able to get to know many of their renters and established many friendships over the years.
After retiring, Mac enjoyed attending social gatherings with family and friends and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. Mac and Darlene were big garage sale enthusiasts. Mac loved tools and it delighted him to find a bargain that he could give one of his kids or grandkids. He volunteered at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and the Dubuque River Museum. When the children were young, Mac insisted on a family vacation each year; they traveled all over the U.S. visiting national parks and points of interest. In later years, he and Darlene enjoyed winter trips to the Southern United States. He will be remembered for his quick, easy smile and as being organized, energetic, hard working, optimistic, and thrifty yet generous. He was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church for over 50 years.
He is survived by his wife Darlene of Dubuque; his son David (Shawn) Langkamp of Oskaloosa, IA; two daughters: Debbie Langkamp of Dubuque, and Cathy (David) Dillon of Dubuque, nine grandchildren: Linsey (David) Hoppestad of Clive, IA; Andrew (Melissa) Langkamp of Oskaloosa, IA; Bryon, Sarah, Scott and Josh Gansemer of Dubuque; Zachary (Danielle) Dillon of Cedar Rapids, IA; Cory Dillon and special friend Libby Blodgett of Ottumwa, IA; and Samantha Dillon of Cedar Rapids, IA; two great grandsons: Ashton Dillon and Nolan Hoppestad; two brothers: Harold (Marie) Langkamp and Arnold “Bub” Langkamp of Dubuque and one sister, Shirley (Jim) Chapman of Dubuque.
In addition to his parents, Mac was preceded in death by one brother, Leonard Langkamp and one sister, Beverly Piehl. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque, or to the charity of the donors’ choice. The family would like to thank the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City, Hospice of Dubuque for their special care, especially Mary and Peg, and “Mrs. Butterworth” from Rest Care.
Visitation: 3:00 – 7:30 p.m, Friday, December 28, 2012 at Hoffman Schneider Funeral Home at 3860 Asbury Rd. At the conclusion of the visitation, a Christian Wake service will be held.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday morning, December 29, 2012 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa with Reverend Father Dwayne Thoman.
Interment: Entombment will be in Resurrection Garden Mausoleum, Mount Calvary Cemetery. accorded by the American Legion Post #6, of which he was a member.
