Jane C. Menkhaus, age 81, passed away on August 27, 2024, at her home of 46 years, near Fairmount, Illinois.
Jane was born on April 4, 1943, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Carl G. Jr. and Hazel C. Wiesenmeyer. Jane married Frederick R. Menkhaus on June 10, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Jane is survived by one brother, John C. Wiesenmeyer (partner Suzanne D. Grammer) of Kimberling City, Missouri; 3 stepchildren, Teresa K. Menkhaus of San Diego, CA; Jill A. Gonzalez of Dikinson, TX; and Lisa M. Menkhaus of Ridge Farm, IL; 3 nephews, Eric W. (Andrea) Wiesenmeyer of Jerome, ID; Darren J. (Monica) Wiesenmeyer of Sherman, IL; and Scott C. Wiesenmeyer (Nancy) of Castle Rock, CO; 5 great nephews, 2 great nieces, and numerous cousins.
Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Frederick; her parents; and one stepson, Victor A. Menkhaus.
Jane received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Campus, and her master’s degree in choral music from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville campus. She taught music education in Urbana, Alton, and Wood River school districts from 1965-1973, and was the organist at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Homer, Illinois in the late 70s and early 80s. Jane began employment with the Mark Foster Music Company in 1976 and was General Manager and President until it was sold in 1999. Beginning in 2000, Jane was employed by the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign campus as a cataloger in the Music and Performing Arts Library. She is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westville, IL, where she served as organist, cantor, and choir director. Jane was also a member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. Jane loved her feline companions, enjoyed gardening, music, good food, and wine, and delighted in creating sublime music with St. Mary’s Choir.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services held. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carlyle, Illinois, where a private visitation and interment will be held at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, or to the American Heart Association. Donations will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, PO Box 276, Carlyle, IL 62231.
“If I should go before the rest of you Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone, Nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday voice But be the usual selves that I have known. Weep if you must, Parting is hell, But life goes on, So sing as well.” ― Joyce Grenfell
