Obituary of Jane Ann Altenhofen

Jane Ann Altenhofen, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at the age of 72. Born on December 18, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, Jane was the daughter of John Francis and Catherine Elaine (Morgan) O’Roake. Her early years in Newton, Iowa, shaped her into the compassionate and devoted person that her family, friends, and countless patients would come to rely on throughout her life.

Jane's life was defined by her unwavering commitment to others. After graduating from Newton Senior High School in 1970 and earning a Sociology degree from the University of Iowa, she pursued her calling in nursing, graduating from Marshalltown Diploma School of Nursing. For over 30 years, Jane worked as a registered nurse with Homecare and Hospice of Jasper County, offering not just medical care, but profound empathy and support to her patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments. Jane's dedication exemplified the mission of hospice care—providing comfort, dignity, and compassion to those in need. She gave her all to her patients, and her kindness left a lasting mark on the lives she touched.

But beyond her career, Jane's greatest pride and joy came from her family. She was a phenomenal mother to her daughters, Macy and Molly, not just nurturing them but becoming their best friend too. Sneaking out for late-night ice cream runs, sharing laughter and secrets, heartbreak and joys —these were the moments that defined Jane’s boundless love for her girls. When her first grandchild, Dylan, was born, Jane embraced her new role as "Nana" with the same selfless dedication that she had given to her patients and children. Her grandchildren, Dylan, Morgan, Brannon and Sawyer became the center of her world, filling her life with endless giggles, adventures, and immeasurable joy.

Jane was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Thomas Altenhofen.  They married June 14, 1974, in Newton, Iowa and shared 50 beautiful years. Their love was evident in the small, everyday acts of affection—like the bouquets of wildflowers Tom would bring in just for her from the garden he planted, a gesture that symbolized their deep and enduring connection. Together, Jane and Tom were avid Iowa Hawkeye fans. They were season ticket holders to the Hawkeye football games through the years, sporting black and gold. They had fun cheering on the women’s basketball team and sharing a love for the team’s star player, Caitlin Clark.

Even in her later years, Jane’s nurturing spirit never waned. She was the glue that held her family together, always there for her daughters and their growing families, whether it was helping with grandkids, attending games, or simply being present, Jane's warmth and love were constants in their lives. Her presence brought light, laughter, and comfort, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, John Francis and Catherine Elaine O’Roake, and her twin daughters, Emily Jane and Sara Ann. Those left to honor her memory include her beloved husband, Thomas; her daughters, Macy (Blake) Wernimont and Molly (Zak) Keninger; her cherished grandchildren, DylanWernimont, Morgan Wernimont, Brannon Keninger and Sawyer Keninger; her brothers, John (Cheryl) O’Roake and Kevin O’Roake; her sister, Suzanne O’Roake; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton, Iowa, with a Facebook Live broadcast available through Pence Reese Funeral Home's page for those unable to attend. Memorials may be designated to a charity of choice and can be left at the church or funeral home.