Donald Eugene Hippensteel

Donald Eugene Hippensteel went home to be with the Lord on October 22, 2025.  He was born on September 13, 1931, in Berwick, Pennsylvania to Walter Theordore Hippensteel and Leona Worts Hippensteel.  Don married the love of his life, Glenna Ann Fallmer.  Their love and admiration for each other was timeless.  They had been married 71 years.

In addition to his deep dedication to his wife, Don was a devoted family man and the proud father of two boys. He passed down to them the values of a strong work ethic, a love of sports, the joy of a great meal at a restaurant, and the importance of always caring for friends and family. To his sons, he was a “father” first and a friend second.

Don was also an athlete, soldier, business executive, grandfather, great-grandfather, and loyal friend to many. His passion for all sports—and his love for the next “golf game”—were second to none.

Anyone who struck up a conversation with Don quickly recognized how deeply the restaurant industry was woven into his life. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as an executive for several major franchises throughout his career, including Holly’s Steak & 4, Restaurante Holly's, Long John Silver’s and Jerry’s, Golden Corral, and Hardee’s restaurants.

Don is survived by his loving wife Glenna, their two children; Bill (Susan) Hippensteel and Scott (Kathy) Hippensteel, five grandchildren; Brian (Shannon) Hippensteel, Jena (Andrew) Henderson, Ashley (Robert) Haines, Brittany (Eric) Monreal, Ashley (Alex) Snowberger.  He was blessed with four great grandchildren; James Henderson, Olivia Haines, Emma Monreal, and Avery Snowberger.  He is also survived by nephew, Sean Fallmer and his wife Amy, and children Rory, Will and Sean Patrick.

He is toasting you from heaven with a smile and the perfect Manhattan in hand.

Services and Interment are private

Memorial Donations:

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Ida Richardson at Homewell Care Services. Ida provided extraordinary comfort, compassion, and care to both Don and Glenna, and her support brought peace to our family when it was needed most.

Checks may be made payable to Ida Richardson (reference Don Hippensteel) and sent to:

Homewell Care Services

222 E. Wisconsin Ave, Suite 306

Lake Forest, IL 60045

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, 4606 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee, IL. Please sign the guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; for information, please call 847-571-7719.