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.
I had the privilege to work for Orville for 25 years. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known him as a man, a boss and a friend. He has touched many lives and will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to Jane, Mary Kay and the entire family.
Jane, this is Cindy Day Cathie sister. I just wanted to send you my deepest condolences to you and your family and that you’re in my thoughts and prayers God bless you and rest in peace Orville
It was a true privilege to have known Orville, even for a short time. He was a kind, generous, and genuinely caring man who touched so many lives through his warmth and interest in others. The love and happiness that he and Jane shared were beautiful to witness.
I will always remember him as someone who made the world a little brighter simply by being in it. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
With heartfelt sympathy and prayers,
Michaela Hoberg
Orville was a caring , kind man – whom our family loved and respected. Our deepest sympathies and prayers for Jane, Mary Kay and all of the family. Orville we will miss your smile and conversations. God rest your soul
So Sorry
Jane and family
John and I want to extend our condolence to you and your family. We are both so saddened by hearing this. You both were and always will be great friends
Orville was the kindest person to everyone he met.
Prayers and love to all
What a kind decent generous man! I have known him many years and will miss seeing him occasionally. Prayers for the family!!
Orville was one of the nicest men around.
I was lucky enough to meet him when I was in high school on the 70’s.
Years later he was a founding shareholder and board member of Enterprise Bank and Trust , where I was able to renew our friendship.
I consider myself blessed to have known him for so many years.
Prayers and Sympathies with Orv’s entire family.
We’re all better off for knowing him.
Bill Wachter
A great friend which we sept over 25 years playing gin together; and taught
me the game. God Bless Orville………
There are some people who pass through our lives, and then there are those who help shape the people we become. Orville was one of those rare individuals.
I had the privilege of knowing Orville for nearly 30 years, and I will always be grateful for his friendship, guidance, and unwavering kindness. He was a man of remarkable integrity, quiet wisdom, and genuine humility. He led by example, treated everyone with respect, and had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. His influence extended far beyond what he likely ever realized.
When I learned of his declining health earlier this year, I was blessed with the opportunity to reconnect with him. I am so grateful to have had those final conversations. They reminded me once again of the extraordinary man he was and how fortunate I was to have known him.
To his beloved wife Jane, Mary Kay, family, and the countless friends whose lives he touched, please know that my heart is with you. While the loss is profound, I hope you find comfort in the incredible legacy Orville leaves behind. His life was measured not simply by the years he lived, but by the character he displayed, the lives he influenced, and the love and respect he earned from so many.
Thank you, Orville, for your mentorship, your friendship, and for the example you set. You will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Katie Dooley
Jane
We are so sorry. Orville was a wonderful man and we enjoyed being your neighbors.
MIKE and Mary Ellen Lynch
805B
Orville was a terrific person. For those of us at Enterprise Bank and Trust, he was a founding shareholder, valued board member, and enthusiastic supporter. Always upbeat, curious, creative, and wise. I also had the pleasure of working with him and his team many years ago and came to respect him as a leader, father, mentor, partner and business person. Just an all around great guy.
Deepest sympathies to Jane and all of the family members as well as his partners and colleagues. He can truly be said of Orville that he led a long and productive life of significance.
Blessings to you, Old Friend! And thanks for all you contributed to Enterprise and to me, personally.
Jane and Sam,
Although we rarely got the chance to see Uncle Orville, we know of the joy, friendship, and happiness he brought to you, your families, and everyone around him through the stories, and experiences shared over the many years. May your families be blessed with many fond memories of your times together.
We celebrate with you today the promotion of Uncle Orville into the presence of our Glorious God.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your families.
The Greg Guest Family
Orville was my Grandfather’s (George Henry Middendorf II) second cousin. I met him once at a food trade show and he remarked how I was a tall lanky German. What a great legacy he leaves behind. God Bless, Brian Middendorf
My condolences to the family as well as my prayers on Orville’s passing. It is said that a person’s worth is not measured in dollars but the number of friends one leaves behind therefore Orville was a millionaire. The consummate gentleman, he was gracious, generous and always smiling, he will be greatly missed. The hospitality industry is indebted to him for his numerous contributions over many years. Rest in peace in the Lord’s care my friend, you earned it.
I only met Orville a couple times, but each time I was greeted with a generous spirit of someone who truly cared to get to know someone. He always asked if I needed any help or advice. A wonderful human who clearly so many people cherished. Condolences for Jane and her family.
I was a customer of Middendorf Meats for 40 years and knew Orville very well. He was a great partner and when I opened a restaurant in St. Peter’s that didn’t survive, I owed him $$ but Orville said “Dave you don’t owe me anything “. I consider him a great man who will be missed by all who knew him.
Dave Grone
My sincerest condolences to the Middendorf family. It was an honor and priveledge to have been one of his numerous friends and great admirers. He had an everlasting impact on so many people and wide variety of industry’s.
God Bless.
Jim Bahlinger and the entire staff of Meadowbrook C.C.
Orville will forever be one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. His gentle, yet enthusiastic nature is to be admired. Orville possessed the humility no one could ever imagine came from one as tremendously successful as he was. A cheerleader for the industry, from the the seasoned chefs to the up-and-coming future chefs in the St. Louis region, he made you feel like you were the most important person in the room when you had his attention. Our St. Louis area has lost a titan in the local hospitality field. More importantly, we have lost a dear friend.
My sincerest condolences to Jane and family.
May God comfort and bless you in your grief.
Rest in God’s Sweet Peace, Orville.
Very sorry from Greg Jill and Christa.
We are fortunate to be condo neighbors in Naples which Orville aptly referred to as “Paradise” due in part to the wonderful people like Jane and himself. We will miss our conversations. Hoping your wonderful memories give you comfort.
Ken and Teena Cowan