Donald J. Lampe fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church on the 13th day of June 2024 at the age of 86. Dear son of the late Melbourne and Isabelle Lampe, beloved husband of 45 years to Carol Lampe (nee Rapisardo), cherished brother of Jack Lampe and the late Phil Lampe, dearest father to Michael Lampe (Liz), Bridget Smithmier (Mike Nelson), Paul Lampe (Wendy) and the late Joseph Lampe, dear grandfather to Jake, Greta and Will Smithmier and loving brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
Don was the youngest of 3 boys. He attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School and McBride High School. He enjoyed playing soccer on a YMCA team, going to midget auto races with his dad and weekly dinner at Pelikan’s Restaurant.
After high school, Don served two years in the Navy as a gunner’s mate on the U.S.S. Albany which served in the Mediterranean Sea and off South America. Aboard the U.S.S. Albany, Don completed both the Ancient Order of Deep crossing the Equator as a Trusty Shellback and the Order of the Blue Nose (one of the rarest of naval traditions) becoming a certified Blue Nose after crossing the Arctic Circle.
Don spent many years working in the restaurant business and found his second career with the automotive industry as a salesman, manager and buyer.
He enjoyed traveling, drinking red wine and coffee (had to be half dark/half decaf), reading the daily paper, watching Hallmark movies and Blues hockey, and spending time with family and friends (especially his Sunday morning group that met for a walk followed by coffee, bagels and great conversation at Panera…a 20+ year tradition). He was fun-loving and easy going. Whenever he was asked why he did something a certain way (which usually made absolutely no sense to Carol), his answer always was “because I can”.
The family would like to thank BJC Hospice Home Care and Evelyn’s House for the compassionate care they provided. They are truly God’s angels.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Kutis Funeral Home South County, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129. Visitation 4-8 pm with service at 6 pm. Interment will be private in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BJC Hospice or Evelyn’s House www.foundationbarnesjewish.org/Give-Hospice.
Donnie, you were a wonderful man and enduring friend…so fun to be around sharing funny stories and laughter. Rest in peace. We are grateful to have shared in your life, and you will be missed everyday!
-Peggy (Charlie) Jerabek
Don, I will miss our talks which were always respectful despite not agreeing on all issues. I will always cherish those talks. Those talks described how you lived your life. Your marriage with Carol was a perfect example of how God wants marriages to be sustained.
You will be remembered and missed uncle Don. Praying for Carol and those you leave behind.
“He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3
You will be missed and remembered uncle Don.
Mike and I were in your wedding 45 years ago! We were all just youtes! We’re going to miss drinking wine together, you telling me to buy the big bottles, such a deal at Aldi’s! I just gave you a look! Kind of the look Carol gives you!
We’re going to miss you our friend of many many years. May all the angels and saints wrap their arms around you and lead you to paradise 🙏
So many great memories throughout the years and I will treasure them all! Will miss Don on Sundays but know you will be there in spirit. Rest in Peace Don……..you fought hard and now time for you to rest. Your memory will live on and Carol, we all love you and are here for you always.
A VERY FINE MAN. AND GREAT HUSBAND