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Oswald Langfelder Obituary
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Oswald (Ossie) Langfelder died on October 21, 2015.
An obituary is the story of one's life
As related by a husband or his wife
Writing my own was my decision
To express my true thoughts
And my very own vision
It speaks of my children
It speaks from the heart
It speaks of success
And of love in some part
And it tells of the pain
That most of us claim.
My parents made me
The man I became
To be loving and honest
And proud of our name
My wife and my children
Were the pride of my life
And I'd have no other
Than Midge as my wife.
Ossie was born on August 2, 1926 in Vienna, Austria to Ruth Marie and Otto B. Langfelder. After fleeing Austria in 1938 he arrived in the United States in 1940. He served in the Field Artillery in the South Pacific during World War II prior to serving in the occupation of Japan. Ossie graduated from Springfield Junior College and studied Engineering at Purdue University. He loved engineering, being employed by the Department of Transportation for four years, Willet Consulting Engineers for two years and Crawford, Murphy and Tilly for twenty-two years before entering politics, being elected Commissioner of Streets for eight years and eight years as Mayor of the City of Springfield. After serving in elected office he returned for the next twelve years to the Department of Transportation, retiring in 2008 at the age of 82. Ossie published his first book, "My Incredible Journey" at the age of 84.
He is survived by his Wife Mary (Midge) Dunham and his pride and joy their thirteen children. Joan (Steve) Baker, Jamie (James) Cour, John (Nancy), Joseph (Gale), Judith (Dennis) Shackelford, James (Billie), Jacqueline (Allan) Yoho, all of Springfield, Jay Paul (Amy) of Bartlett, Janice (Larry) Davis, Jean (Larry) Rockford, Joshua (Angie) of Springfield, Jacob (John) of New York, and Julia (Dustin) Frevert of Springfield. Ossie is also survived by his sister Edith, thirty-one grand-children, and five great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Langfelder Family Fund at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, 205 S. 5th St., Suite 930, Springfield, IL 62701.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield. The visitation will begin with a prayer service.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant.
Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
The family of Oswald (Ossie) Langfelder is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Oswald Langfelder
Sponsored by Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center.
Mary Mounce
November 12, 2015
So sorry to hear this sad news for the Langfelder family. I went to school with Jackie and Jim and they were good kids who were clearly raised by good parents.
How heartwarming it is to know that Ossie got to witness Jim follow in his footsteps to become mayor of Springfield. Ossie always had my vote and Jim would too if I still lived in town.
My condolences to the whole family.
Brian Letourneau
October 30, 2015
I remember Ossie Langfelder more as a father than as an employer. I worked for him as Health Director for 5 1/2 years. There were many challenges and we met them together. He supported us in all that we did. I will never forget him and can only hope that he remembered me. That would be the greatest honor of all.
Dyanne Ferk
October 30, 2015
We hope that happy memories will ease your sorrows during the difficult times. Your father and family have made Springfield a better place and your dad's legacy and accomplishments live on in Springfield. Much sympathy to all the Langfelders for the of Ossie.
Tom & Roberta Pape
October 28, 2015
Midge & all the Js;
It was a great honor to know and serve with Ossie. He was a no nonsense guy who was in it for the right reasons. He raised a heckuva family that will continue his commitment to public service. We'll miss him -
Dulany and Pat (Saladino) Sriner
October 28, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Know that our thoughts and prayers reach out to each and everyone of the Langfelders. Ossie Langfelder was a good man and a wonderful father to not only his family. but the City of Springfield. He will long be remembered.
Sincere sympathy,
Love and Light,
Michelle Lefrere
October 27, 2015
Midge & Family, Our Family was so sorry to hear of Ozzie's passing as he was such a great man & true friend to everyone & our family, my grandparents if they were still here would want you to know how much they loved him (Mary & Leonard Lefrere)as friends, & neighbors, for all those years & you both were always so kind to be there when we needed you both the most in their times of need. I'm sure all your children will carry on his legacy proud. God Bless you all, Michelle Lefrere & The Lefrere Family. Your in my prayers.
Kevin Switzer
October 27, 2015
It is rare when someone like Ossie Langfelder gets involved with politics, I don't believe he ever did anything for political effect but always did what he thought was right for this city. The only mistakes he made is when he trusted people he shouldn't have and that is because he was honest and upfront and expected others to be that way. He has a great reputation in this town and it was well deserved. Condolences to his family and the citizens of Springfield who have lost a great man.
October 26, 2015
To the Langfelders: Our deepest sympathy to your family. What an honorable man he was, and admired by so many. It was evident how much he loved his family and Springfield. We are very sorry for your loss.
Joe and Katy Khayyat
Frances Crifasi- Craghead
October 26, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Langfelder family, in the loss of a truly great man. , loving husband , father and grandfather. We feel so very blessed to know this family and to have them in our lives. In our thoughts and prayers. The Crifasi Family.
Ellen & Thomas Robinson
October 26, 2015
A beautiful worship service honored this fine family man. From the singing of Ave Maria in Latin to the Sound of Music song of Edelweiss helped us all pay tribute to this wonderful leader.
God bless you all grieve this significant loss.
Bridget Helmholz
October 26, 2015
My condolences to all of Mayor Langfelder's wonderful family.
I was impressed by him when I took the St. Agnes boy scout troop to meet him in his office.
He talked about his departure from Austria and his arrival in the United States. He informed the boys that in this country you can accomplish anything you want with hard work.
He expressed his surprise that the Springfield voters had elected him Mayor and saw this as an example of what could be accomplished in the United States.
I will always remember this humble gesture.
Kathy LaCamera
October 26, 2015
I will always remember Ossie when we went on the Springfield Municipal Band Goodwill musical tour to Austria! A beloved man who introduced our numbers in German to the Austrian people. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Darrin Peters
October 26, 2015
My condolences to Ossie's family. He was a great man with a great family!
Dr. Rebecca Ewing
October 26, 2015
My condolences to Ossie's family. I had the great privilege of working for Ossie when he was the Streets Commissioner. He was a great role model, and I have always felt blessed to have known him. I will never forget the positive influence that he has had in my life. formerly Rebecca Love, Municipal Motor Fuel Tax Administrator
Patricia Pugliese-Melaik
October 25, 2015
I first met Mayor Langfelder in 1984 at a civic dinner; my husband and I were new to Springfield. He had a kind and welcoming voice above the din of the people socializing. We had several encounters after that and I realized that this was a man who really cared about the citizens of Springfield. He was not just a figurehead, as some politicans are, but a caring, gentle soul who reached out to all and you knew that Ozzie would be there for you, if you needed him. Rest in Peace; you will be missed.
Jessie and Fred Baskett
October 25, 2015
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. During the years I worked for the City, Ozzie was a kind and thoughtful gentleman. He never knew a stranger and was a friend to all. I can see the traits of his father in his son Jim and I'm sure Ozzie was proud of Jim as well as all his children.
Carl Johnson
October 25, 2015
My condolences to Midge and the entire Langfelder family on the departure of Ossie from life here on earth. He will be missed by all who have had contact with him.
I first met Ossie at Blessed Sacrament, when I moved to Springfield and was impressed by his deep devotion to God, his family and the people of the community. During his final four years as Mayor, I had the pleasure of serving on his staff and was thankful for the opportunity to assist him in his development of many improvements to give the people of Springfield a better place to live.
Gene & Carol Burnett
October 25, 2015
Ossie was an honest and respected man. It was always a pleasure to work with such a dedicated public servant who truly cared for all citizens. We all miss him. Condolences to his family and the many who knew him.
Gene and Carol Burnett
Dr. Donna Corriveau
October 24, 2015
Jim, condolences to you and your family over the loss of a great father, grandfather, and public person. Springfield will long remember all he did for the city.
Randy Lewis
October 24, 2015
A great lost to Springfield he has enough family to contribute to continue what he has worked for his whole life working for city government
Dave and Debbie Danner
October 24, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Langfelder Family. Ossie was a great and well respected man. I loved reading his book and following the story of his life.
Carl Madison
October 24, 2015
My Mayor and my friend, condolences to the Langfelder family, it was truly a pleasure working with your father, Jim continue to carry the torch, as he inspired so many.
Bernie and Jack Hatcher
October 23, 2015
What a wonderful and full life Ozzie has had! He is someone who gave so much in both his personal and public life. His contributions were many and he will be long remembered by all those whose lives he touched. Midge,pease know that we are thinking of you at this sad time and our prayers are with you and your beautiful family.
October 23, 2015
Condolences to Ossie's family.
I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know him before the end of his time as Mayor. He always had interesting stories to share, especially about his family and life experiences. I looked forward to his visits to (then) WDBR when he would be a part of the morning show and be a featured guest. He endeared himself to so many folks.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of his children and Midge. Ossie was an original. It's sad to lose him and hard to say goodbye. Thanks for the good times and kindnesses.
A life well lived and shared, is never forgotten.
Barbara Kutilek Crosby
October 23, 2015
Mr Langfelder, I know you will be missed greatly by your family. As my mom would say, "May God bless you and His angels watch over you."
Cherie Stark
October 23, 2015
may God be with you in this time. Ossie was a great man. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Cherie Stark Spfld,Il
Don Kuhn
October 23, 2015
I always saw Ossie with his family and his wife "Midge" at Jungle Jim,'s Cafe when I went there for breakfast.I'd was always joking with him..,what a good guy.I can not say enough good things about him.My prayers and sympathy are with his family.
October 23, 2015
Thinking of the Langfelder Family and wishing you peace and comfort as you remember Ossie.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
You have our deepest sympathy.
The Allen Family - Springfield
Barb Amrhein
October 23, 2015
Great man and great family.
Lynne Smith
October 23, 2015
Condolences and blessings to all. Judy and Jackie were my roommates in college and I so loved seeing the love they had for their parents as well as their brothers and sisters.
Steve Cripe
October 23, 2015
My deepest sympathies for your entire family with your loss.
Annette Nelson
October 23, 2015
many fond memories of Ossie ....my prayers love and peace to the entire Langfelder family
Richard & Dolores Stayton
October 23, 2015
Jim, Billie, & Family:
We are sorry to hear of your loss. We know it is a difficult time when you lose a parent.
We send you our condolences and prayers to help get you through this difficult time.
Sincerely
David Preston
October 23, 2015
Too a man who shall be missed. One great person for the city of Springfield whom I meet many times and so enjoyed talking too. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time and may GOD Bless you for coming into all our lives.
larry stuffle
October 23, 2015
Ossie was a great man, an excellent leader and a dedicated, honest family man. His efforts, sometimes against opposition, modernized Springfield. His family continues to serve.us through the sons he raised so well, including our excellent new Mayor His life literally was the American dream achieved through his own efforts.His record in life and public service speaks for itself.It needs no embellishment.My condolences to his family.Larry StuffleLarry Stuffle
The Withers Family
October 23, 2015
Langfelder family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lorna Hill
October 23, 2015
My deepest condolences to the entire Langfelder family. I started working for the city under Ozzie. He was the best mayor we had. His values and Work ethics set a good example for the entire city. My prayers go out to the family and friends. May peace be with you. RIP Ossie.
Carole O'Neill
October 23, 2015
My heart goes out to Midge and all of the family. Ossie was an incredible person whose leadership and integrity were such a gift and example to those of us who worked for him and all of our community. He was an honorable gentleman, I will always treasure his impact on my life. May your memories comfort you all.
October 23, 2015
Our condolences to the entire Langfelder family. May you find peace in your hearts from all of your wonderful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely, Jeff and Nancy (Staten) Denman
Carol Stream, Ilinois
Chris Runnels
October 23, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joyce Hampton Bushnell
October 23, 2015
My condolences to the Langfelder family God bless all
Suzi Zoll (Battin)
October 23, 2015
Langfelder family - my deepest condolences, thought and prayers during this difficult time. I'm honored to have met him.
Willie & Pat Davidsmeier
October 22, 2015
Josh & all the all the Langfelder family, so sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts & prayers.
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