Donald Barg
Donald Barg, age 92, lifelong Lombardian, passed away August 17, 2025.
Don was the dear husband of the late Diana Barg nee Robel; loving dad of Wendy Cantua and Randy (Nicole) Barg; dear Papa of Emily Barg, Justin Barg, and Kaely Cantua. He was also preceded in death by his parents, William and Theodora Barg, his brothers William and Wayne, his sister-in-law Adele and his great nephew Aaron.
Don graduated from Glenbard West, where he played intermural basketball. As a young man, he earned money by helping his uncle Henry to build homes in downtown Wheaton and also by trapping the DuPage River, selling muskrat and occasional mink pelts to Sears Roebuck. He soon joined the U.S. Army and was a proud Veteran, serving his country during the Korean War 1953-1955. Don met Diana, the love of his life, in a ski club, and they married in 1963. They were the long-time owners of Illinois Cleaners in Lombard.
He loved his many friends, neighbors, and family with all his heart. He enjoyed fishing, musical theater, gardening and travelling, particularly his trips to the Northwoods and to Germany. Don proudly attended nearly all his grandchildren’s school and sporting events and performances. Even after they graduated, he frequented Glenbard East, West, and Montini plays, concerts, football and basketball games over the years, and was known as a ‘super fan’.
Don was an eternal optimist and loved living in Lombard. He often supported the VFW, Lombard Garden Club, Historical Society and even ran the children’s Park District Fishing Derby for several years. Friends referred to him as ‘Mr. Lombard’. In his later years, he could be found cycling all over town, dining at Lily’s Café (almost daily), and loved nothing more than helping others and being a positive light to all. In his later years, he moved into an assisted living facility where he made many more special friends and quickly assumed the nickname ‘the mayor’. He took on many nicknames, but his proudest was papa.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 9:00 AM until the time of a Memorial Service at 12:00 PM at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. His service will be followed by a lunch celebration for his amazing life (details to follow).
In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s name may be made to the Maple Street Chapel, 220 S. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148, Community Table, c/o First Church of Lombard, 220 S. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148, Wheaton VFW Post 2164, 0N731 Papworth St, Wheaton, IL 60187 or Chicago Zoological Society (for Brookfield Zoo), 3300 Golf Road,, Brookfield, IL 60513.
Info www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.