Darrell Langan

DARRELL JOSEPH LANGAN

Cedar Rapids

Darrell Joseph Langan, 77, passed away at home after a two-year battle with cancer on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Father David Beckman and Deacon Phil Saunders. Visitation: 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 5:30 p.m. Private family burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery. The family requests attendees wear vibrant colors to represent the colors of nature, which Darrell cherished.

He was born in Platte Center, Neb., on Dec. 4, 1937, to Harold and Leona (Melcher) Langan. Darrell graduated in 1956 from St. Mary's Catholic School, Waterloo, then served in the Army for eight years. Darrell married his devoted wife, Karen Vanderheyden, on July 6, 1957, in Waterloo, Iowa. He was an entrepreneurial master plumber at Langan Plumbing Inc., a company he founded. He was involved in the Regal Rack Club, was a friend of Bill's and loved watching high school and college sports, especially the Hawkeyes.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; daughters, Candi (Bob) Lynch, Traci Vercande and Stephanie (Pat) Hegseth; grandchildren, Taylor, Erin and Clayton Lynch, Michael, Tony and Rachel Hegseth and Kyra and Derek Vercande; brothers, Dean, Keith, Norris, Danny and Steve Langan; sisters, Bonnie (Ole) Holman and Sharon (Harry) Schmit; and numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Darrell was an avid bow hunter and had an immense love of nature and the world surrounding him. He also had a passion for photography, fishing and wood carving. Darrell was an inventor and had several patents for some of his creations. He was an author, having several of his works published. Darrell will be thoroughly remembered as a man of faith, a loving family man and a friend to everyone he met. His charisma, humor and that twinkle in his eye will never be forgotten by those who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kevin Langan; and brother, Bill Langan.

Memorials may be made to the Fellowship Club or Hospice of Mercy.

Darrell's family would like to thank the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, Hospice of Mercy, Dr. Reid, Dr. Wood and Dr. Hanawalat, and the many doctors, nurses and caregivers who took such great care of Darrell during his illness.

Please share your support and memories with Darrell's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.