December 19, 1935 – September 23, 2025
Jane Elizabeth Gundlach of Kenosha died peacefully on September 23, 2025, at the age of 89.
Jane was born on December 19, 1935, to Bentley and Frieda (née Stegeman) Herbst. She grew up on the north side of Milwaukee and graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in education. On July 27, 1957, she married Theodore Gundlach, whom she met on a blind date and with whom she shared a lifelong partnership centered on their confessional Lutheran faith and their family. Early in their marriage, she earned a living as a teacher, but teaching came naturally to her, and she spent much of her life teaching God’s Word, especially to her beloved Wednesday Morning Bible Class ladies for over 45 years. After Ted died in 2011, she continued her journey through life devoted to her core principles but also reflecting her adventuresome spirit.
Jane’s life was defined by her faith in Christ, reflected in her love and generosity toward others. She loved her family, of course, but was surprised at how much she loved being the wife of a pastor, embracing both the challenges and the opportunities that role provided. She was also an avid reader and lover of language.
She is survived by her five children: Timothy E. (Sharon) Gundlach, Daniel (David Savran) Gundlach, Diane Beth Gundlach, Jonathan (Mary Kay) Gundlach, and Sarah (Steven) Billings; her cherished grandchildren: Christopher (Kaitlyn) Gundlach, Allison (Mike) Heiman, Laura Gundlach-Heiman (Mark Heiman), Karl Gundlach, Julia (Ryan) Hoffman, Andrew (Renée) Billings, Katy (Japheth) Walker, and Samuel Gundlach; her great-grandchildren: Ervin and Guinevere Heiman, and Jon Claude, Willow, and Christian Billings; and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Jane was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Tom Kroehn, and her sister-in-law, Judith Stern.
Jane’s funeral will be held at noon at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2026 22 Ave., on Friday, October 3, 2025, preceded by a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.
The family would like to thank staffs of the 600 wing at Brookside Care Center and of St. Catherine’s Commons for the love and care they provided to Jane; Pastor James Roemke for faithfully bringing the Word and Sacrament to Jane once she became homebound; and her close friends from Messiah and the church at large for their prayers and the love they showed to Jane.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, https://www.lutheranpublicradio.org or a charity of your choice.
