Joseph J. Langenfeld II

FAIRFAX, Va. - Joseph John "Joe" Langenfeld II, the oldest of 14 children, was born Aug. 21, 1943, in Denver, and passed away April 18, 2011, at home.

He grew up in Mitchell, S.D., graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1961. Joe received a degree in mechanical engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City in 1966. Serving in the U.S. Army from May 1967 to May 1970, he was a captain and platoon leader/pilot for helicopter missions in Vietnam and served three years as a pilot for the South Dakota National Guard. He also worked as a deck hand on a cargo ship, fifth grade teacher, boat builder, owner and operator of a fiberglass repair business, pilot for off shore drilling in Louisiana, mechanical engineer, and audio book producer and publisher. Other pursuits included writing, sailing, photography, architectural design, and science.

He married Holly Maxon from Lemmon, S.D., in 1979. They have three sons, Jeremy of Alexandria, and Samuel and Benjamin of Falls Church.

Joe was adventurous and had a unique view in the way he approached life. He had an analytical mind and whomever he engaged in problem solving or in an evening of conversation couldn't help but notice the depth of his intelligence. Joe was kind and cherished his relationships with his family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. He had a special love for children. Joe loved to joke and his favorite movie genre was comedy. His voice, laughter and presence in our lives will be forever missed.

He is survived by his wife, Holly, and sons Jeremy, Samuel and Benjamin; brothers and sisters, Doug (Nancy) Langenfeld and Steve Langenfeld, all of Sioux Falls, S.D., Lisa Langenfeld Buche, Watertown, S.D., Kathy Heitzler, Sioux Falls, Peter Langenfeld, Tucson, Ariz., Rebecca Langenfeld, Petaluma, Calif., Brian Langenfeld, Aurora, Colo., Tim Langenfeld, Pacifica, Calif., Laura (Dave) Iglicki, Castle Rock, Colo., Elizabeth (Robert Roach) Langenfeld, San Bernardino, Calif., Andrew (Kristy) Langenfeld, Alexandria, Minn., Paula (Gary) Schmidt, Sioux Falls, and Camilla (Kevin) Gelroth, Castle Rock; and an uncle, Jamie (Heloisa) Nash, Lancaster, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloise and Joseph Langenfeld and a brother, Clifford.

A memorial will follow inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

His online guestbook is available at www.fairfaxmemorialfuneralhome.com.