Jane was born in St Louis, Missouri on July 8, 1943, daughter to the late David and Louise (nee Wood) Mathews and passed away at her home in Manitowoc on November 25, 2023, with family by her side.
She spent her youth in Washington, Missouri, graduating from Washington High School in 1961, and earned a BA degree in Sociology and Psychology from Central Missouri University in 1964 and began working in merchandising for Mabley and Carew in Cincinnati, Ohio. She later earned an education degree from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and taught school in Dayton and Marshal, Illinois.
In 1966 Jane married Charles Lohmeyer at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington, Missouri and began their married life together in Terre Haute, Indiana where two children, Holly and Kevin arrived. In addition to raising her young family she also enjoyed raising dogs and showing Arabian horses. In 1977 Jane and her family moved to Manitowoc where she embraced the Wisconsin life, a new circle of friends, a cottage in Door County, and forest land in Vilas County before moving to Barrington, Illinois in 1982 where the third child, Jessica arrived. In 1987 Jane and her family moved back to Manitowoc where she lived until the time of her death.
Jane loved to travel and experience the people and cultures of Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. She was generous and gave freely of her time serving on the Board of the Friends of the Wisconsin Historical Society, Manitou Girl Scout Council, Terre Haute Swope Art Gallery, and the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra where she was very active in the Symphony’s fundraising special events including the Holiday Tour of Homes. Jane helped organize the annual Manitowoc County Kennel Club dog show often serving as co-chair and meeting old and making new friends during the event. Jane enjoyed the more than two decades of serving as wardrobe mistress for the Jean Wolfmeyer Nutcracker Ballet and helping with costuming for recitals during and after the time her daughter Jessica danced.
Jane was a long-time member of the Manitowoc Presbyterian Church and in her later years a member of Grace Congregational Church in Two Rivers. Jane was a 59-year member of the PEO Chapter J, Manitowoc Sisterhood with many wonderful friends having ensued from her participation over those years. Jane loved literature and reading and was a 4-decade member of the Clio Book Club where she treasured the Friday afternoon readings and wonderful friendships. Jane especially loved dogs, having imported, raised, and showed Papillon dogs with her husband. Her last Papillon, Charlie Pickles, was a great companion in Jane’s courageous fight against cancer and her life’s last journey.
Jane is survived by her husband: Charles, children: Holly (Andrew) Kull, Kevin Lohmeyer, Jessica Lohmeyer, granddaughters: Alexandria and Isabella Kull, sisters: Nancy (Harvey) Quinn, Barbara (Joe) Hagen, brothers: Michael (Donna) Mathews, Steven (Patti) Mathews, brother-in-law: Wayne (Carole) Lohmeyer, sister-in-law: Ann Scheer, Nieces and Nephews: Emily Harper, Jennifer Redlinger, Amy Standiford, Megan Leong, Alexander Mathews, Rev. David Bohling, Melissa Bohling, Timothy Bohling. She was predeceased by her parents, infant son: baby boy Lohmeyer, brothers-in-law Rick Alexander and David Lohmeyer.
A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Colie Betevia, will be held at Grace Congregational UCC, 2801 Garfield St. Two Rivers on December 2, 2023. Relatives and friends may greet the family from 9:30 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am. Immediately after the service everyone is invited to join in a Celebration of Jane’s Life.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Cancer Center staff at the Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital for the kind and compassionate care she received. Jane will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
