Mary Langendorfer

Mary Lue Kieffer Langendorfer, 94, of rural route Junction, Ill., passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 10:30 a.m. at the Ridgway Manor Nursing Home in Ridgway. Mary was born near Shawneetown to John F. and Della Mae (Lackey) Kieffer on April 9, 1916. She attended both Shawneetown elementary and high school, graduating from SCHS in 1935. Mary enrolled at SIU in September 1935, where she earned her Teacher's Certificate in 1937. She taught her first year of school, 1937-1938 in Dowell, Ill. Her teacher's contract specifically stated that she would be automatically dismissed from her teaching position, if she married during her employment. After teaching in a rural school, 1938-1939, Mary returned to Shawneetown, where she taught the next five years in both Old and New Shawneetown before resigning to be married on June 1, 1944 to Charles Wendell Langendorfer at the First Presbyterian Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Wendell preceded her in death on August 12, 1994. Mary's love for children and teaching was accomplished having spent thirty-six and a half years in the Illinois-Iowa school systems, retiring in May 1981 from the Equality school system, having spent her last twenty-five years of teaching there. She also taught Sunday School and the young couples "Joy" class, and also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. After retirement Mary worked with crafts and piecing together beautiful quilts. Mary enjoyed reading, cooking and writing family history and talking with her many friends. She is survived by her daughter, May Ann Langendorfer of Junction; niece, Ann and David Bickman of Marion and other several nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three infant sons; three sisters, Helen Kieffer, Bernice Herman, and Dorothy G. Kieffer; and one brother, Dr. John D. Kieffer. Memorial service will be on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Equality Presbyterian Church with visitation beginning at 1 p.m., with Rev. Jerry Williams officiating. Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown will be charge of arrangements. Internet condolences may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.