Jane Loper

MADISON - Jane (Loehning) Loper, age 80, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 due to heart failure. Jane was born on June 9, 1934 in Neenah, Wisconsin, the eldest daughter of Gaylord and Louise (Stadler) Loehning. After graduating as valedictorian from Neenah High School she earned a bachelor's degree in Speech Therapy from the University of Wisconsin. Jane met her future husband, Carl, while at school in Madison and they were married for 54 years prior to his passing in 2010. She practiced as a speech therapist until the birth of her children when her focus changed to her young family. Jane was very active in the Madison community, was a member and leader of many philanthropic, educational, social, and civic organizations, and was a devoted member of Our Lady of Queen of Peace parish. Jane's strengths were a perfect match for her charismatic husband and they partnered together as he built his career. As a result of the international aspect of Carl's avocation, Jane traveled extensively around the world, and developed many close personal relationships. She was the ultimate hostess and was considerate of everyone. She perfected the art of making people comfortable by being aware of their cultural and personal needs. Quiet dinners around the dining table, family gatherings, and student parties will be remembered by all who entered her home. Jane was kind, caring, thoughtful, and generous in all aspects of her life. She will be deeply missed.

Jane is survived by her daughter Cynthia (Jeff) Koch; sister Helen Rose; sisters-in-law Sharon (Tom) Radloff, and Gail (Joe) Niesl; brothers-in-law Jim (Joan) Mellberg, Art Lebahn, and Roger (Sharon) Loper; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Loper; daughter, Anne Loper; parents Louise and Gaylord Loehing; and sister, Gail Mellberg.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 A. Owen Dr. in Madison with Monsignor James Uppena presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. A luncheon at the church will follow. Entombment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials in remembrance of Jane may be given to the Attic Angel Association Resident Aid Fund, or the Foundry Educational Foundation Loper Award.