Margaret Jane Langenfeld

Margaret Jane Blair Langenfeld, 89, of Dixon, died February 9, 2024 at Rock River Hospice and Home. Her final days were filled with love and visits from her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was born on December 21, 1934 in Springfield, the daughter of Edgar T. Blair and Margaret L. McAvene. After graduating from the University of Illinois, she married Richard L. “Dick” Langenfeld in August 1957 in Springfield. Jane began her career as a kindergarten teacher and soon after stayed home to raise her family while living in several northern Illinois towns. As a young mother, Jane suffered the loss of two children, Karen and David, to cystic fibrosis. Despite this loss, with her abundant strength and faith, she raised her family including three children, Diane, Thomas (“Tom”), and Daniel (“Dan”) in a warm and fun-loving home. Some of this fun is still recalled and retold by friends and neighbors. Along with her husband, Dick, she owned “Coast-to-Coast” stores in Dixon, Rochelle and Freeport. Jane was happy to return to education and worked many years as a teacher’s aide at Lincoln School where she delighted in helping kids. Jane’s talents ran far and wide; from organizing the housewares department at Coast-to-Coast to repairing the grandkids’ 4 wheelers. She lovingly told stories of the trouble her kids got into and made the best barbecue sandwiches. Jane was an avid reader from her early days of Uncle Wiggiley and Nancy Drew to the latest novels available at the Dixon Public Library. Jane loved paint by number and proudly framed the finished products for others or displayed them at home. She was kind, patient and tenacious, qualities that shined whether she was working along side Dick at the Coast-to-Coast store or helping a child learn to read at Lincoln. She found much joy in her friendships with neighbors and the Autumnwood Garbage Parties. Her spirit will live on through the kind words exchanged among friends; family vacations; the sight of the first spring robin; an evening stroll of the neighborhood and her perfect brownie recipe, which has been passed down and enjoyed by several generations. She is survived by daughter, Diane (Paul) Rubenstein of Columbia, MO, sons, Tom (Diane) Langenfeld of Dixon and Dan (Faith) Langenfeld of Sterling; grandchildren Ashley (Mark) Gangloff, Jack (Sara) Rubenstein, Brandon (Cara) Langenfeld, Ian (Sarah) Langenfeld and John (Heather) Moser; great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Hattie Rose and Kit Gangloff, Laney and JJ Rubenstein, Ella and Ava Langenfeld, Clifford Langenfeld and Mason, Norah and Lydia Moser. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; children, Karen Ann and David Louis; sister, Elizabeth Mazzone and her beloved friend, Eva Moore (“Moie”). Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday Feb. 13, 2024, 11:00 AM at St Anne Catholic Church in Dixon. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St Anne Catholic Church. Burial of cremains will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield, IL. Memorial contributions in Jane’s name can be made to Rock River Hospice and Home, Meals on Wheels or St Anne Catholic Church. Arrangements by the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon. Online condolences can be left at www.thejonesfh.com.

Margaret Jane Langenfeld

December 21, 1934 - February 9, 2024