Jane Lynne Leimkuehler, 73, of Owensville, passed to her heavenly home Jan. 30, 2024.
She was born Dec. 22, 1950, in Washington. She was the daughter of Chester and Delma (Diestelkamp) Niebruegge. She was a little sister to her hero and older brother, John Niebruegge.
Jane earned her bachelor degree in Education from now Missouri State University–Springfield. In time, she returned to Owensville to teach fourth grade for the Gasconade County R-II School District until her first retirement. She continued her career as a statewide trainer for reading educators through the University of Missouri–Rolla and as music teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School–Rosebud.
With her children, Justin Ross Berger, and Julie Denise Berger in tow, Jane married James Leroy Leimkuehler, Sept. 25, 1992, at the First Baptist Church of Owensville. This union added more family to love with Jim, his children, JoEllen Leigh and Clare Marie, and the extended family of Jim and Juanita Melton-Leimkuehler.
For the remainder of her life, Jane was dedicated to serving God, her family, and helping others. The years brought challenges and victories, as well as opportunities. Together, Jim and Jane were a part of many groups and organizations, including: First Baptist Church–Owensville, Gasconade Manor Sunday school teaching, Gasconade County Bible Society, Gideons International, Gasconade County Historical Society, Missouri Retired Teachers, Gasconade County Republican Central Committee, and Delta Kappa Gamma. Jim and Jane enjoyed coin collecting, antiquing, books, sharing their faith, friends, and cheering on their grandchildren at any of their endeavors.
Jane was preceded in death by parents, Chester and Delma; husband, Jim; brother, John Niebruegge; and nephew, Andy Merryman.
She is survived by children and grandchildren, Justin and Karen Berger (Gracie, Henry, and Ivy), JoEllen and Nathan Clemons (Rileigh, Caleb, and Amber), Clare and Tony Ruth (Taylor, Cadance, and Macie), and Julianna (Julie) Berger (Audrey and William). She is also survived by her sister-in-law and children, Bonnie Niebruegge, Kelly Merryman (daughter-in-law), Jason (and Nicole) Merryman, Maria (and Gary) Long, and JoAnn (and Dustin) Cornman.
Traditional services will be held Friday, Feb. 9, with visitation from 9–11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Owensville.
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Kevin Sullivan officiating. Burial will be in Owensville City Cemetery.
A casual Celebration of Life to reminisce will be held Thursday, Feb. 8, from 5–8 p.m., at Dos Primos Mexican Restaurant, 1st street, Owensville.
Memorials may be directed to the family and chosen beneficiaries: Tunnel 2 Towers and Gideon International.
