January 14, 1940 – July 20, 2026
Lester Donald Langer, Jr., 86, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife of 35 years, Kathie.
Born in January 1940 in Mauston, Wisconsin, Lester was known to most as “Les,” but to his family he would always be “Donnie.” He spent 41 years working at Perfecto Industries in Piqua, Ohio, where his dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic were hallmarks of his character.
Les took great pride in everything he did. His immaculate yard was a reflection of the care and attention he brought to life, and the meticulous way he remodeled his home showed his patience, craftsmanship, and determination. He was a man who could fix, build, and figure out just about anything. As one former neighbor fondly said, “Les was the man who could do it all.”
Les also enjoyed following the teams that connected him to his Wisconsin roots. He remained a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers, and he followed the Atlanta Braves—not simply because they were the Braves, but because he remembered and remained connected to their history as the Milwaukee Braves.
While Les was known for his ability to work with his hands, it was the way he loved his family that defined him most. He believed that family was built through love, commitment, and being there for one another. He never believed in using the word “step” to describe family—there were simply people he loved, and they were his family. He cared for them wholeheartedly and without distinction.
Les will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, and willingness to lend a helping hand. He found purpose in hard work, satisfaction in a job well done, and joy in the home and life he built. His steady presence and the example he set will continue to live on through all who were fortunate enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Donald Langer, Sr., and Mildred Langer; his brothers, Russell, and Arthur; and his beloved grandson, Nicholas, and granddaughter, Krystalyn, along with his dogs, Buffy and Maggie.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathie; his sisters, Jeannette and Diane; his children, Teresa (Bill) Taylor, Bryan Langer, Kathy (Jeff) Knopp, Jerry (Laura) Woodyard, Jody Feng, and Clint (Deidre) Woodyard; along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in the life Les lived and the love he gave so freely. His legacy is one of dedication, humility, kindness, and unwavering devotion to the people he cared about. He leaves behind memories that will be treasured, lessons that will be carried forward, and a family who will miss him deeply.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Les’s life on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville, Ohio. A funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home, with a graveside service afterward at Abbottsville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Langer family.
