Michael Jude Langenfeld

Michael (Mike) Jude Langenfeld, age 77, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, after a long heroic battle with life.

A lifelong resident of Hastings, Mike leaves this world with only one regret. He never successfully orchestrated an opportunity to yell, “You’ll never take me alive, Copper”.

Born on December 24, 1947, this future Mayor of Christmas Town (you can look it up) spent his youth around Lake Isabelle talking to hoboes and trying not to get hit by a train. A 1965 Graduate of Hastings High School, Mike quickly enlisted into the US Navy, spending the bulk of his service on Midway Island and on the deck of the USS Princeton, where he famously (in our family at least), and quite literally, rolled out the red carpet for the Apollo 10 Astronauts, upon their return from space.

A proud Union Carpenter for over 35 years, Mike’s handy work is secretly on display all around the city of Hastings. Banks, churches, and even the press box at Todd Field (the older one, of course) are just a few of the local, anonymous, landmarks that stand as a testament to a craft well-honed over three decades. There may even be a few carefully laid quarters awaiting future remodelers who look closely enough.

Since retirement, Mike spent his time antiquing, watching reruns of Seinfeld and old westerns, walking Sophie, attending soccer and hockey games against his will, and losing sleep over any unfamiliar car that happened to park in front of the house (“It’s been there for two days!”) A comedian to the end, he enjoyed a sarcastic comment, a witty retort, and everything Laurel and Hardy.

Mike is survived by his wife Nancy, his three children Tracy (Tom) Duppong, Michael Langenfeld, Tyler (Tawnie) Langenfeld, three grandchildren (Brian, Stephanie, and Emma) and two great-grandchildren (Ruby and Scarlett). He is preceded in death by his parents Eleanor and Alois (Bill), sisters Joan, Maureen, and Mary Gayle, his brother Jake, and his daughter-in-law Kristin.

Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by this uniquely interesting man are invited to a Celebration of Mike’s Life on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a service following at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held right after the service for a time to continue sharing memories of Mike.

Mike will be laid to rest privately at Pine Glen Cemetery in Prescott, WI, alongside Paul and Grace Bohlken. While some may question this arrangement, Mike always took a more practical approach when asked about it. “Buried with the In-Laws… oh well… why not… didn’t cost anything.”

A special thank you to the entire staff of Kinnic Nursing Home in River Falls and Hastings Senior Health and Living. Both facilities provided excellent care for Mike following a 2023 stroke and we will forever be thankful for their compassion and professionalism.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.