Donald L. Enke, age 81, MSgt, USAF, retired, of Belleville, Ill., passed away Wednesday morning, February 5, 2025 at Memorial Hospital, Shiloh, Ill.
Born November 18, 1943 in Bunker Hill, Ill., he was the son of the late Roscoe and Erma Enke. Don enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 18. While serving in France, he met Dianne Gaudin; they married December 7, 1963 on Toul-Rosieres Air Base, France. He was soon sent to Da Nang Vietnam, and continued his overseas service at Kunsan AB, Korea, Iwo Jima Island, and Germany.
In spite of the illnesses likely caused by his exposure to Agent Orange, which ultimately led to his death, Don was proud of his military service and served selflessly. He retired in 1982 from the 554 CEOS, Nellis AFB, Nev. After returning to his roots in southern Illinois, Don worked for St. Louis University Hospital for 27 years as a plumbing and maintenance specialist.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dianne Enke; son Don (Wendy) Enke, daughter Deanna Enke; grandchildren Spencer Hearn, Nick Enke, Jordan Enke, and Cameron Enke; and great-granddaughter Ripley; sister Jeanette (Vernon) Lawrence of Bunker Hill, Ill.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Beverly (Terry) Dilliard.
In lieu of flowers, the Enke family appreciates memorial donations to be directed to your favorite charitable veterans’ organization. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Visitation: Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 West Washington Street, O’Fallon, Ill. Procession will depart the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. for a graveside service with military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.
