Lou Ann Launhardt

Lou Ann Boehne Launhardt fell asleep in Jesus' arms Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

She was born Dec. 30, 1936, in St. Louis to the Rev. H. Paul and Lucille Boehne. Her parents preceded her in death.

She received all of her education in Lutheran schools, except for the eighth grade and classes at Southeast Missouri State University. She lived in St. Louis until she was 10, when the family moved to Murphysboro, Illinois, and then back to St. Louis. She was a graduate of Lutheran High School in St. Louis and St. Paul's College in Concordia, Missouri. She was a member of the first class of girls admitted to St. Paul's College.

She taught school at Hope Lutheran School in St. Ann, Missouri. Her teaching career also included substitution in New York and a few months at Trinity Lutheran School.

She and the Rev. Louis H. Launhardt were married June 23, 1957, in St. Louis. He preceded her in death in 2006.

Their marriage was blessed with three children, Lori Jean of Cape Girardeau, Gregory Louis of Columbia, Missouri, and Krista Jo (Ron) Sanford of Cape Girardeau. Her children were her greatest achievement. Other survivors include a sister, Judith (Don) Eckert of Crestwood, Missouri, and a brother, Don (Jean) Boehne of Carbondale, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

A desire to be an interior decorator began in Murphysboro, where she began high school. This was fulfilled after classes at Southeast Missouri State University, when she worked at Imperial Interiors, Lambert's and Riverside Home Center before opening Just for You Designs, her own business.

Lou Ann was also a good game player. Bridge, cards or word games, she enjoyed them all.

Married to a minister, she followed him to Cairo, New York, where he began Resurrection Lutheran Church. They then moved to Cape Girardeau, serving at St. Andrew Lutheran Church until his retirement in 1996.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Mark Martin officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrew Senior Transportation Fund or to St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.