Jill Hagan Landwehr, age 78, of Hancock, Minnesota, passed away on January 28, 2023.
Visitation and celebration of life for Jill Landwehr will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Morris, Minnesota.
The Memorial Mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Morris, Minnesota, on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11:00, a.m., with Father Todd Scheidner presiding.
A luncheon will be served in the church basement following the mass.
Jill Hagan Landwehr gently took the hand of Jesus on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Jill was born on April 11, 1944, to wonderful parents, Dr. and Mrs. E.M. Hagan. She grew up in the beautiful town of Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her older brother Jim, whom she always greatly admired, and her younger brother Eddie, her constant companion in all of her childhood adventures. Her beloved springer spaniel was always at her side. It was the perfect life, except that she did not have a horse. In the summer of 1965, she got a job waitressing at a dude ranch in Wisconsin, just to be near horses. That is where she met Jerry. They married on June 17, 1967, after she graduated from Penn State University. They moved to Minnesota to begin their life together. A few years later, Jerry surprised Jill with a horse of her own for Christmas; Mindy turned out to be her horse of a lifetime! While Jerry taught Spanish, Jill stayed home to raise her three children, Jodie, Lisa, and Michael. When Michael started kindergarten, Jill completed her degree in elementary education at the University of Minnesota, Morris, and began her 19-year teaching career in the 5th grade classroom of St. Mary’s School. She retired when her first grandchild was born. Jill remained extremely energetic and active after retirement. She loved the outdoor life and spent her days riding horses, biking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and taking her dog for walks. Even the bleak, cold Minnesota winters did not deter Jill. She loved to cross-country ski, but if the snow was too deep for that, she strapped on her snow shoes. Even in her seventies, she racked up the miles in her running shoes, training for marathon relays and local 5K’s.
Jill always put others before herself and showed an intense interest in all of their activities. She had a special gift for making everyone else feel special by the way she treated them. Instead of a glass half-full, her glass was always overflowing, and she was sharing it with others.
Her children will always remember her as the best mom ever. Jodie and Lisa inherited her passion for horses. Their favorite memories were of September Saturdays spent galloping through the harvested fields, then coming home to pick apples and make a pie together. Michael’s favorite memories were of getting off the bus after morning kindergarten to spend a wonderful afternoon just with Mom. They would hike in the cow pasture to have a picnic lunch by the old cottonwood tree by the lake, curl up in the chair to read amazing books, and even play catch with the football.
Jill never lost her child-like sense of wonder, which made her an amazing Grandma. Her first grandchild, Julie, said it best in this letter she wrote to Gram. “You always told me you loved me, but that wasn’t how I knew. It was the way that you spent weeks preparing for our visits. It was how you read me Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer every Christmas Eve. It was the sweet rolls, Christmas cookies, and ham. It was campouts in the living room and sneaking into the kitchen for midnight snacks. It was teddy bear picnics. It was those little notes you wrote in every single book you ever gave me. It was always taking the smallest piece of cake, or the burnt toast, or even going without entirely, so that someone else could have the best. Gram, you are the reason I know how to spot Orion and the Big Dipper. You are the reason I know how to swim. You are the reason I can teach grammar to my fifth graders. You are the reason I will plant daisies and marigolds in my yard someday. You are the reason I cherish my family. You are the reason I know that it is important to be kind, to be strong, to be a lady. You are the reason I know that the easy route is not an option. You are the reason I know that without God’s grace, we are nothing. And Gram, you are the reason I know what it’s like to care about someone with Alzheimer’s.”
Jill is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters-in-law, Cathy Hagan and Sherry Hagan. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, of Morris, Minnesota; two daughters, Jodie (Cary) Landwehr of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Lisa (Clayton) Phipps of Brusett, Montana, and a son, Michael (Sharon) Landwehr of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and six grandchildren, Julie, Abby, Isaac, Danny, Hannah, and Luke; two brothers, Jim (Dodie) Hagan of Export, Pennsylvania, and Eddie Hagan of Lonetree, Colorado; five nieces and nephews, Jeff, Julie, Ken, Matt, and Sally Hagan, and their families.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now
there is in store for me the crown of righteousness . . . 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:30 a.m.
Saturday February 11, 2023
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
207 E 3rd. Street
Morris, Minnesota 56267
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 11, 2023
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
207 E 3rd. Street
Morris, Minnesota 56267
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:30 a.m.
Saturday February 11, 2023
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
207 E 3rd. Street
Morris, Minnesota 56267
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 11, 2023
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
207 E 3rd. Street
Morris, Minnesota 56267
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Joan Riedner says
My deepest sympathies to Jerry and family. I have many wonderful memories of Jill at St. Mary’s. She was always a happy and upbeat member of our staff as well as an awesome teacher. I will always remember her generosity in sharing apples of many varieties with us each Fall. Rest in peace Jill as you now live on in everlasting joy in Heaven and in the hearts of your loved ones.
Rich and Trudy Carstens says
Our sympathy goes out to your entire family. I am sure she will live on forever in great memories.
Louise de Montigny says
With kind regards to Lisa, Clayton and family, and my condolences to all of Jill’s family. This was a beautiful life that’s left you it’s treasures. Peace be with you all.
Josh Fischer says
My love and sympathy to the whole family. Mrs. Landwehr is the reason I enjoy writing. She was my absolute favorite teacher ever! The obituary captures her beautifully!
Becky Vogel says
What a beautiful obituary . The tribute from your
Granddaughter speaks volumes 💞 prayers to Mr . Landwehr & family .
Ashlee Jahner says
Prayers to you all, and sending our love and sympathy to the entire family. Jill was so special & kind and I always enjoyed the time spent with her when visiting Julie. A beautiful obituary to reflect the woman she was.
Allyson Valnes says
My deepest sympathies to Jerry and family. May God’s Grace rest on you all during you time of grief. 🙏🏻
Cate haan says
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jill. Prayers to everyone during this difficult time. The family was a great addition to our saddle club years ago out of Steven’s County, MN
Jill always had a beautiful smile.
Karen Long says
Sincere Sympathy to the Landwehr family. Mr. Landwehr was my Spanish teacher but better yet Jill & Jerry brought our Mom Meals on Wheels for a long time & oh how she enjoyed them coming. May all your fondest Memories sustain you. God’s Peace & Grace. Karen (Harstad) Long
Diane Kratz says
Dear Jerry and family,
So sorry to hear of your great loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Hauge says
Jerry you and your family have our deepest sympathy. I don’t think I had the opportunity to meet your wonderful wife. You were one my closest friends in school. Jill’s suffering from Alzheimer’s means you lost her twice. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Bob Hauge
Bev Harbaugh says
Lisa, Clayton and family. So very sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like she was a fun lady to have in your lives. Hang tight to the memories. God be with each of you.
Steven and Lavonne MacDonald says
So sorry for your loss, may you find comfort in all the wonderful memories. May God bless and comfort you .
Sister Cordelia Korkowski and Franciscan Sisters says
The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls send deepest sympathy to the family of Jill. We were privileged to be teachers to Jodie, Lisa and Michael and co-workers with Jill at St. Mary’s and friends with Jerry and the family.
The memories of Jill and Jerry and the entire family will live on. Thank you for including us in your friendships. Rest in peace, gentle and beautiful Jill. May you be rewarded for a loving and spirit filled life.
Mary Ann Murray says
Lisa, Clayton, Julie, Danny and Luke, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother and grandmother. My heart goes out to you and your family. The obituary was beautiful and I know it had to have captured her well as her legacy is reflected in her family. Prayers are with you all and cherish the wonderful memories Julie captured so nicely.
Scott Schulz says
Mike and Sharon — Sincere condolences to you and your family. Prayers to you and your dad during this difficult time.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Lisa, Clayton and Family You are in our thoughts and Prayers God Bless you all
Jenny Frady says
Lisa,Clayton and family
may god bless her soul and heal you all , my prayer are with you all , rest in peace
Bob Crane says
Lisa & Clayton and family,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Alyson (Ahern) Knop says
Dear Jerry (whom I still think of as Señor Landwehr), Jodie, Lisa, Michael, and families–
My deepest condolences on the loss of Jill. I have such fond memories of her kindness, imagination, and wonderfully fun spirit, whether at Jodie’s birthday parties or substitute teaching for our 5th grade class at st. Mary’s. What a beautiful soul Heaven has gained, but I know it is hard for all of you left to mourn her loss. Peace be with you all.