Mary Jane Kohlenberg

Mary Jane (Walker) Kohlenberg

Mary Jane (Walker) Kohlenberg, 91, formerly of Kirksville, passed away Monday, October 29, 2012 at Katy Manor in Pilot Grove, MO.

Mary Jane was born in Yale, OK on September 18, 1921 to Robert and Maude Walker. She spent her early childhood years in Oklahoma before moving to Alton, IL in junior high. Upon graduation from Alton High School in 1939 she attended Shurtleff College before completing her degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois in 1943. She then enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a WAVE and worked at the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. until the conclusion of World War II.

On August 31, 1945 she was united in marriage to Gilbert Kohlenberg who preceded her in death in 1996. Mary Jane was also preceded in death by her parents.

After moving to Kirksville, MO in 1950 she earned her Master's degree in education and was later employed as a mathematics instructor at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State) until her retirement January 1, 1989. Mary Jane was an active member of the community and belonged to numerous civic and professional organizations including the Daughters of the American Colonies, Delta Kappa Gamma, AAUW along with state and national math associations. As a member of Faith Lutheran Church she participated in the LWML and worked with the college student organization. Mary Jane's civic involvement was highlighted by her efforts that led to the formation of the Adair County Public Library of which she was a past board member.

Mary Jane is survived by her daughters, Gail Sponaugle and husband John of Boonville, MO and Mary Wodtke and husband Tom of Oldenburg, IN; three grandchildren, Justin Sponaugle, Megan Neugebauer, and Jacqueline Salyer and two great-granddaughters.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday (November 3, 2012) at the Faith Lutheran Church with Pastor David Lukefahr and Pastor Mark Appold officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hills Cemetery n Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be John Sponaugle, Tom Wodtke, Mike Salyer, Justin Sponaugle, Kohn Picker, Kent Troester and Greg Klokkenga.

Visitation with the family will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Ave.
Kirksville, Mo 63501 660-665-2233

Memorials are suggested to the Adair County Public Library or the Faith Lutheran Church.