Surrounded by the love and support of his family and friends during his final days Orville Joseph Middendorf passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026 leaving a legacy of devotion and generosity to all who knew him.
Orville was born on September 25, 1932, to Otto and Dorothy Middendorf at 1020 Mallinkrodt St. in north St. Louis. During high school he worked a meat company learning the skill of meat cutting. In 1953 he joined the Army where he utilized this skill at Fort Reily KS. After returning from the Army he met and married his wife, Ruth. Working many jobs and saving money he followed his dream and started his own meat company. The first location was a small shop on East Obear. Here he would arrive early each morning with Ruth and baby, Mary Kay, in a play pen and process orders then deliver the orders in his car.
In 1967 he was joined by his brother, Don, and continued to grow and expand the business. In 1983 he added a grocery line and became Middendorf Meat/Quality Foods. In 1985 the company became the exclusive distributor of Certified Angus Beef. His philosophy was to provide the highest quality products and excellent customer service. Many of his first employees continued to work for him for decades. It was truly a family operation.
He not only had a passion in his business but lent his support to many organizations such as the Chefs de Cuisine Association of St. Louis, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park Culinary Program, Honorable Order of The Golden Toque, St. Louis District Club Managers, and BJC.
Orville was an avid golfer and was active in many country clubs including serving as President of Norwood Hills CC. He enjoyed his winters in Naples, Florida which he referred to as Paradise. Here he and Jane spent many years golfing at LaPlaya CC making lasting memories with friends.
In 2008 Orville was diagnosed with lymphoma. He was referred to Dr. Nancy Bartlet at the Siteman Cancer Center. He referred to her as the magician. He has battled lymphoma 3 times as well as many other illnesses but with his positive attitude and smile he always defeated these challenges.
Orville is survived by his beloved wife, Jane, his daughter, Mary Kay (Rick) Naber, granddaughter, Kelsey (Tom) Bach, great grandchildren, August and Madeline Bach, Jane’s daughter Tara (John) Nunnally, and grandchildren Jacob Parks, Joseph and his special girl Sarah Michelle Schaeffer, Jane’s son Richard and grandchildren Justin, Brett, and Kyle (Olivia) Nunnally, great grandchildren Nathan and Selena.
Also survived by his brother, Don (Shirley) Middendorf and sister Joan (the late Jim) Belcher. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris (Bob) Guest and first wife, Ruth and baby Ruth Ann.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the exceptional caregivers for the kindness and compassion they showed Orville and all of his family.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, MO 63123) Monday, July 6, 9:45 a.m. to Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 4 PM – 8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Orville’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or BJC Siteman Cancer Center.
A wonderful human being who has left a lasting legacy for all he touched . Knowing him over the past 40 + years has been a true blessing that I will always remember.