Gerald "Jerry" F. Langenfeld

Gerald “Jerry” F. Langenfeld, age 83, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 8 at White Pine Memory Care in Cottage Grove, Minnesota.

Jerry was born on July 31, 1942, in Hastings, to Frank and Leona (Kieffer) Langenfeld. He was the oldest of eight children and grew up in Hastings, where he helped on a farm and learned the value of hard work early in life. During his school years, Jerry wrestled and was a proud graduate of Hastings High School, Class of 1960.

Following high school, Jerry attended St. John’s University for one year before joining the National Guard. He dedicated 30 years of service to the Guard, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served locally in Hastings as a commanding officer, a role he carried out with quiet leadership.

Jerry married Jane Karlstad, and together they had five children, Wendy, Scott, Kevin, Amy, and Erica, making their home and raising their family in Hastings. He spent many years working at 3M while also fulfilling his National Guard duties.

In 1980, Jerry married Alice Hood, and the two shared 45 years of marriage. After retirement, Jerry and Alice embraced a life of adventure, traveling the country together for 19 years in their RV, covering much of the United States and Canada. They also devoted time to Habitat for Humanity, working side by side on numerous building projects.

Jerry was known for his subtle humor and his love of a good joke. While he enjoyed making others smile, he never sought the spotlight, preferring instead to quietly connect with those around him.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Alice Langenfeld, children Wendy (Doug) Fairbanks, Scott Langenfeld, and Amy Langenfeld, six grandchildren, Jeremiah, Meghan, Alex, Derek, Connor, and Zion, and 17 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Dick (Judy) Langenfeld, Dave (Maggie) Langenfeld, John (Mary) Langenfeld, Carol Lorentz, Bob (Phyllis) Langenfeld, Ed (Kathy) Langenfeld and Matt (Deb) Langenfeld, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Leona Langenfeld, his children Kevin Langenfeld and Erica Langenfeld, and his brother in law Jerry Lorentz.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 16 at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th Street West, Hastings, Minnesota 55033. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the Mass, with a reception to follow. Burial will take place at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with military honors.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations may be made online at www.stjude.org.