Don “Bill” Fengel

Don “Bill” Fengel, 86, passed away peacefully with his daughters at his side on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. Don loved working with his hands, farming, his family, morels, beans and wieners, butter pecan ice cream, Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, and peanut M&Ms. Not necessarily in that order.

Don was born September 7, 1935, to Gale and Frances (Spenny) Fengel in Canton, Illinois, the youngest of five children.

It is well known that farming was one of Don's passions. He began his chosen career path with his father and brothers at the tender age of 7, when he was tall enough to reach the pedals of a tractor and see over the steering wheel. He graduated from Canton High School in 1953 and was a member of the Army Reserves from 1959-1963, where he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood during basic training. It was during basic training that he earned the United States Army’s Expert Marksmanship Medal.

As a young man, Don enjoyed motorcycles with his brothers, coon hunting, and go-cart racing. Along with his brother, Don was the mechanic for the racing team that won the Peoria 300. He was an expert mushroom hunter who could outwalk anyone in the woods, traversing up and down creek beds and hillsides like a mountain goat. Known for his cigars and quick wit, he was a loyal friend, a man’s man, and enjoyed his daily coffee with friends at the local coffee shop.

A devoted and loving husband to his beautiful bride of 58 years, Katherine Clare Orendorff, he never left the house each day without giving her a kiss. Throughout their marriage, they were each other’s best friend and confidante, rarely spending any time apart until her passing in August 2014.

Don is survived by the three daughters he loved and doted on; Donna (Richard) Montemorra, Beth (Sandy) Harmon, and Cathi Fengel; his granddaughters, Amanda Grove, and Megan Enlow; five great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his wife Katherine, parents Gale & Frances, and four siblings, Blake, Gene, Ray, and Rosemarie.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation will be honored with no funeral services held.
A visitation will be held at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL on Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 4pm-6pm. Military Honors will be held at 3:30 PM the same day.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com