Donald Henry Van Den Berghe

Donald Henry Van den Berghe, loving husband of Linda Kathryn Van den Berghe, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on September 11, 2025, at the age of 82.
Don was born on May 15,1943 in Moline, Illinois, to the late Henry Oscar Van den Berghe and the late Goldwyn (Mueller) Van den Berghe.
He grew up in Calamus, Iowa and was a 1965 graduate of Iowa State where he studied Industrial and Mechanical Engineering.
Don and Linda were married July 9,1966 in Cedar Rapids and they were married for over 59 years.
He worked for Square D Corporation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Lincoln, Nebraska and Columbia, Missouri, before he capped his working career at J. Louis Crum Corporation.
Don was a car enthusiast, fostered from his parents' automobile dealership in his younger years. He was able to identify the year, make and model of a vehicle just from the taillights or headlights. He collected Corvairs, along with the requisite spare engines, and had the patience to teach his kids to drive a manual transmission in a restored turbo-charged 1966 Corvair convertible.
Don was very fond of large family gatherings which typically included Shakespeare's Pizza and chocolate chip cookies. He was affectionately known by Shakespeare's employees as the "Cookie Monster."
Don is survived by his wife, Linda, his daughters, Deborah (Ron) Graves, Amy (Eric) Renner and one son, David (Vicky) Van den Berghe. Don's grandchildren include, Matthew and Will Graves, Alexa and Weston Renner, Jenna and Davin Van den Berghe. His brother, Robert (Lea) Van den Berghe and a nephew and niece in Kansas City.
The family wants to thank the caregivers they met and bonded with on Smithton Village at The Neighborhoods in Columbia, Missouri.
Private Inurnment will be at the St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to Mobility Worldwide MO-Columbia or Meals on Wheels of Columbia, Missouri
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory, 12 E. Ash St.; Columbia, Missouri 65203. (573) 449-4153. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.milardfamilychapels.com