Joan Theresa Langfeld

Joan Theresa Carle Langfeld, 83, of D'Hanis, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Born on January 19, 1942, in Hondo, Texas, Joan was the daughter of Lawrence Joseph and Melvira Mary Rothe Carle. She grew up in D'Hanis, where many of her fondest childhood memories involved her sister and partner in crime, Carolyn. Joan's first true love was Elvis Presley. As a young girl, she saved her money to buy his records-even though her parents didn't approve and refused to buy a record player. That spirited determination would define her life. She graduated from D'Hanis High School in 1960, then attended junior college in Uvalde before earning her bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State (now Texas State University) in 1964. On January 30, 1965, Joan married the love of her life, Joseph Charles Langfeld, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. They were the second couple married in the newly rebuilt church. Together, they raised three children: Melissa ("Missy"), Joseph Jr. ("Joby"), and Troy. Joan spent more than 30 years in the classroom, dedicating her life to nurturing young minds with patience, humor, and unwavering care. Even long after retirement in 2003, she never forgot a student's name. Her impact extended beyond the classroom when she later served on the D'Hanis ISD school board. Her students remember her as a warm, joyful presence who made learning both meaningful and fun. In retirement, Joan found joy in time spent with her eight grandchildren, embarking on many adventures-some planned, many spontaneous. Her legacy lives on in their stories, laughter, and love. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Joe; her son, Troy Langfeld; and her sisters, Carolyn Ney and Terry Schueling. Joan is survived by her daughter, Melissa "Missy" Huggins (Harold); son, Joseph "Joby" Langfeld Jr. (Kerri); daughter-in-law, Robin Langfeld; grandchildren, Emily Soderdahl (Brett), Eric Huggins, Emile Huggins, Joan Elise Huggins, Miles Langfeld, Luke Langfeld, Bryn Langfeld and Briley Langfeld; great-grandchildren, Grace and Nora Soderdahl; brothers, Rothe Carle and Mike Carle; and sister, Sandy McGehee. She is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and generations of former students. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, followed by recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church. Guinn-Horger