Janvier Keith Langnese

Janvier Keith Langnese, beloved father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend, was 80 years old when he passed away unexpectedly at PeaceHealth Hospital of Vancouver, Washington, in the early morning on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. He was born on June 8, 1944, to Ronald Robert Langnese and Eleanor May Langnese (née Edens).
Jan grew up on a farm in Battle Ground, Washington, where he learned the value of hard work by helping tend to the cows and pigs. He graduated from Fort Vancouver High School, the Class of 1962, and continued his education with automotive classes at Clark College. Upon completion of his college courses, he began working as a mechanic at auto repair shops and eventually went on to work for Boeing in 1966. While at Boeing, Jan helped assemble jet aircrafts and worked on the engines, contributing to the creation of some of the world's most advanced machines. Always determined and diligent, he later took a janitorial position at the Federal Building in Portland, Oregon, as a way to begin a long and meaningful journey in public service. His knowledge, skill, and strong work ethic soon led him to his career and permanent role, being hired in July 1969 as a Building Maintenance Mechanic with General Services Administration (GSA), a branch of the United States Federal Government.
It was at the Federal Building in Portland that Janvier met Pamela, who was working there at the time for the U.S. Forest Service. The two quickly formed a connection, courted, and on July 27, 1974, they were married at Christ Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon, during Pam's furlough from the U.S. Army. After her military service, they began their life together in Ridgefield, Washington, later settling in Vancouver, Washington, in May 1976. Their family grew with the births of their two daughters, Heather Dawn Langnese on July 23, 1978, and Margaret Lena Langnese on February 27, 1981-a chapter of life filled with deep love, laughter, and devotion. Jan and Pam celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on July 3, 2024.
Jan served as a Building Maintenance Mechanic for 30 years, working primarily in Portland, Oregon, before transferring to the Federal Building in Ketchikan, Alaska, where he worked his last 6 years. Living in Alaska was a longtime dream of his, and one that was made possible through his employment. He retired in August 1999, having left a legacy of dedication, craftsmanship, and care.
Jan was also preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor Langnese and Ronald Langnese; his brother, Philip Langnese; his uncle, Merle Langnese; his aunt, Opal Hazeltine and her husband, Dick Hazeltine.
He was known for his quick wit, sarcastic nature, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. He is survived by his daughters, Heather Langnese and Margaret Langnese; sister, Viki Landsverk-Westling; cousins, Jeffrey Langnese, Deborah Langnese, Terry (Dot) Hazeltine, and Shelley (Scott) Faunt; his nephew, Robb Westling; and his niece, Jami Westling.
Jan will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kind heart, steady presence, and the love he gave so freely.
"Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another." – Ernest Hemmingway
Scriptures:
Romans 8:38-39 KJV
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 14:27 KJV
[27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Psalm 23:1-6 KJV
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Poem:
In Loving Memory of Jan, the Human Chainsaw
Whose snores could rattle windows, shake laws near and far,
A nighttime thunderstorm without cloud or star.
His bedtime symphony-wild, bold, and grand-
Could silence thunder and reshape the land.
From five blocks away, folks would stir in fright,
Thinking freight trains were rolling through the night.
Earplugs were gold, white noise machines ran hot,
If you slept near Jan, that's the best shot you got.
But now Jan rests in a silence so deep,
No more sonic booms from the king of sleep.
Heaven's on edge, the clouds wrapped tight,
To muffle those snores that could shake the night.
So if you hear rumbling on a calm, clear eve,
Don't worry, don't panic, don't even grieve.
It's Jan up above, still snoring with pride,
Rocking the heavens with each rolling tide.
In that great big bedroom beyond the blue,
Our champion snorer sleeps sound and true.
And though he's gone, his legend lives on-
In every low rumble, we still hear Jan.