Donald Kammler

Donald R. Kammler, age 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

Don will be laid to rest at Hecker Village Cemetery in Hecker, IL on Thursday, June 5, 2025 with full military honors. A Funeral mass will be held Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11am at Holy Trinity with a visitation at the church starting at 10.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marilyn (nee Henry) Kammler; children, Lexy (John) Puzzela, Kendra (John) Meyer, and Marla (Shawn) Call; and his grandchildren, Nicolle, Katy, Gabby, Grace, JB, Jacob, Kaitlyn, and Quentin.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ida (nee Laut) Kammler; his son, Scott Henry Kammler; and his brother, William Kammler.

Don was born in Hecker, IL on July 7, 1932 and went to school in Waterloo, IL. As a youth, he enjoyed hunting squirrels, fishing, playing ball, and life in a small town. Prior to being drafted, he hauled rocks for Scott Air Force Base air strip and worked in cabinetry. He proudly served his country as an Infantryman in the United States Army, serving on the frontlines during the Korean Conflict. Following his father, he attended barber school and practiced as a barber in Belleville, IL for almost 20 years. He married Marilyn on October 5, 1963. They enjoyed home improvement projects, restoring their 1965 Mustang convertible, traveling, and building a home in Door County, Wisconsin. In 1970 Don joined State Farm in Data Processing while earning his bachelors degree from Illinois State University. He was a popular guy with a warm smile who had friends everywhere he went. His greatest joy was his family. He lived life as a gentle and peaceful man. He exited this life in the exact same manner.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OSF Hospice/Palliative Care and Alzheimer’s Association.

The family is deeply grateful to OSF St. Joseph Palliative/Hospice caregivers for the compassionate care and support they provided in Don’s final days.