Donald O. Hardekopf

SMSgt Donald O. Hardekopf, USAF, Retired, (91), of Liberty, MO, died Monday, January 5, 2026, at Liberty Hospital. He was born March 2, 1934, in Pilot Knob Township, Washington County, IL to Otto and Mabel (nee Erwin) (Verner) Hardekopf. Don grew up in Beckemeyer, IL and graduated from Breese Community High School in 1952. Don married Dixie Lee Jannett of Carlyle, IL in the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Carlyle on Feb 2, 1956. They had 63 wonderful years of marriage.

Don is survived by sons, Don S Hardekopf (fiancé Lisa) of Kearney, MO; David Hardekopf (fiance Carole) of Keller, TX; and Daryl (Brenda) Hardekopf of Pomeroy, IA; Grandchildren, Elizabeth Hardekopf, Amanda (Matt) Scherwitz of San Antonio, TX, Sarah (Jeff) Clayton of Council Bluffs, IA; Drew (Caiti) Hardekopf of Pleasant Vally, MO; Koda Snyder of Des Moines, IA; and Josh Snyder of Pomeroy, IA; and 8 great-grandchildren, Kiley & Kinley Scherwitz; Kinnick, Carver & Hayden Clayton; Anniston,Wesley & Declan Hardekopf.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dixie Hardekopf, his parents, Otto and Mabel, six sisters (Ruth Ann Hardekopf, Alice Walker, Ruby Ashley, Dorothy Welborn, Margaret Kemp, and Bertha Smith); granddaughter Rebecca Hardekopf and grandson Watson Hardekopf.

Don was the Superintendent of the Reconnaissance Control Division at the Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He retired with 22 years and 7 months of service and fourteen military decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Korea Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. 

After retiring from the USAF, he worked at the Kellogg Company Omaha, NE Plant for over 20 years before retiring to Dade City, FL in 1996. Don, with the help of many others, worked diligently to compile the Hardekopf family history. To support those who served in the Military, he became a Life member of VFW Post4283 in Dade City, FL, a Charter Sponsor of the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C., a Charter Sponsor of the WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA, and a Charter Sponsor of the Air Force Memorial in Alexandria, VA. He was also a member of the Blackbird Association (SR-71, U-2, and Drones) and the 55th Strat Recon Wing Association (RC-135). As a 10-year-old boy in Beckemeyer, IL, he dedicated his life to support his country, to honor the men and women from Beckemeyer who served in the military of which some gave their lives. On Saturday, July 19, 2008, he attended the Breese Community High School Reunion and received a standing ovation from his peers for his military service,which deeply touched him.

This Cardinals fan mated with a Cubs fan for life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle. Burial with full military honors will follow at Carlyle Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the US Air Force Enlisted Village and will be received at the funeral home.