Donald Lee Hampsten, 82, of Kinmundy, Illinois, passed away on September 3, 2026.
Whatever Don put his hand to, he excelled. Those hands knew hard work from an early age. Don attended Kinmundy-Alma High School and graduated with the Class of 1962. While they were both still in high school, Don married his high school sweetheart, Wilma Shuler, on June 4, 1961. In those early years, Don dug graves by hand to help support them, beginning a lifetime defined by an extraordinary work ethic and a willingness to do whatever needed to be done.
Don and Wilma built a life and family together and had one daughter, Jena Lee, who married Victor Shawn Allen. Wilma preceded Don in death. Perhaps the Lord knew that Don was a man who did his best work in tandem, because in time, he brought Margaret Rose Sasse into his life. Don and Margaret married on December 24, 2001, and together they shared the next chapters of his life.
Don was a lifelong farmer and a gifted builder. He began working in construction and, through his skill and strong work ethic, quickly rose to the position of superintendent, overseeing the construction of numerous bridges throughout Illinois and Indiana. Don was a quick learner and always seemed to have an instinct for figuring things out and doing them well. To his family, it often seemed there was nothing his hands could not do.
The land was both Don’s livelihood and something he felt a responsibility to care for. He believed in being a good steward and was committed to soil and wildlife conservation. For 25 years, Don and Margaret farmed the land side by side, relying only on one another and putting in the long days the work demanded, often from sunup until well past sundown.
Don was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting raccoon, quail, deer, and rabbit, but fishing held a special place in his heart. No matter what else was going on, Lake Kissimmee, Florida was never far from his mind. There was always another fishing trip to think about, talk about, or look forward to. Staying active, working outdoors, and caring for the land were simply part of the rhythm of his life.
Hard work was only part of Don’s story. He had a generous spirit and gave freely of his time, abilities, and resources. And for all his capability and work ethic, Don was also famously goofy. He was playful and ornery, with a sense of humor and mischief that was unmistakably his own. If you knew Don, chances are he made you laugh. Perhaps nowhere is Don’s legacy more evident than in his daughter, Jena. As a father, he passed down much of what defined him: his work ethic, generosity, humor, and determination, along with the belief that when something needs doing, you put your hands to it and do it well. Those qualities live on in Jena and are among the many ways Don’s influence will continue to be felt for generations.
Underlying it all was Don’s faith in Jesus. It was foundational to the way he lived, worked, cared for others, and understood his place in the world. Brown Christian Church in rural Kinmundy was his beloved home church and community throughout his life; more recently, he was a member of Kinmundy Christian Church.
Don is survived by his wife, Margaret Rose Hampsten; his daughter, Jena Lee Allen and her husband, Victor Shawn Allen; grandson, Jordan (Michelle) Allen; chosen children, Kendall Bopp, Shane Bopp, and Shannon Bopp; bonus grandchildren, Seth (Chelsea) Schnautz, Sarah (Quintin) Schnautz-Williams, Micah (Jocelyn) Schnautz, and Abigail (Michael) Lovett; as well as extended family and friends who were blessed to share in his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Shuler Hampsten; his parents, Clark and Helen Hampsten; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Nina Rose and Herschel Rose; and cousins Ginny Randolph and Lois Crippen.
There is a particular gift in the way Don’s family will remember him: they never had to see him grow old. He remained active and engaged in the life around him. The image they are left with is not one of age, but of those remarkable hands: hands that worked the earth, built things meant to last, provided for a family, helped others, and could seemingly do anything.
Those hands leave behind a lifetime of evidence of how Don lived: work hard, take care of what has been entrusted to you, give generously, laugh often, and do whatever you put your hand to well.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 11, 2026 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Brown Christian Church in rural Kinmundy, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 6:00 p.m. Shane Bopp, Shannon Bopp, and Seth Schnautz will conduct the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kinmundy Food Pantry or Broken Chains Mission and can be received at the church or at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
