Donald Muhlbaier's Obituary
Donald J. Muhlbaier, 89, of Vandalia, IL (formerly of Ladue, MO and Granite City, IL), passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at his home, surrounded by family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 AM, Tuesday, May 06, 2025 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Brentwood, MO. Interment with Military Honors will follow at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, May 06, 2025 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org). Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Donald John Muhlbaier was born on November 17, 1935 in Paulsboro, NJ, the son of Walter and Elizabeth (Hollenbock) Muhlbaier. Don was a proud military veteran having served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and then as a reservist. After his service, he attended the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, one of the nation’s top technological research universities. Following his education, he was employed as a chemist for the Atlantic Richfield Company in Harvey, IL; retiring in 1985 at the age of 49. During his retirement, Don was employed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis for 33 years, where he was highly regarded by the Carmelite Sisters.
He was a faithful and devout catholic and belonged to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Brentwood, MO, founded two chapters of the Knights of Columbus, and was selected to assist in Saint Bernardine’s travels through St. Louis. Among these endeavors and when he wasn’t rooting on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and Blues you could find Don working around the homeplace or managing his real estate projects.
He is survived by children, Timothy (Barb) Muhlbaier of Benton, Terri Reynolds of Portage, IN, Tabitha Hassell of Vandalia, and Eric Hassell of Vandalia; former wife, Sheila Muhlbaier of Vandalia; 8 grandchildren, Zachary Cann, Samantha Hassell, Logan Bensema, Jacob Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds, Anna Reynolds, T. J. Muhlbaier, Beth Ann Muhlbaier; 8 great grandchildren; and sister, Rosemary DeVito.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Hassell; brothers, Thomas and Joseph Muhlbaier; and sister, Delores Bundens.
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