Jane Alice Landman was born on November 16, 1942, to Kermith and Alice (Bergan) Sheimo in Mitchell, South Dakota. She grew up in several South Dakota communities alongside her sister, Helen. During her high school years in Brookings, Jane played the baritone horn in the school band and participated in the Girls Athletic Association. She went on to attend South Dakota State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English.
In 1963, Jane moved to Tracy, Minnesota, to begin her career as an educator. She taught English and history and was known for holding her students to high standards and encouraging them to do their very best. While her expectations could be challenging at times, her former students often came to appreciate the lessons she taught them. In the years that followed, Jane received many calls and letters from former students expressing their gratitude for the impact she had on their lives. She continued teaching until her retirement in 1998.
Through their shared passion for education, Jane met the love of her life, Kirk Landman. The couple was united in marriage on June 12, 1965, in Brookings, South Dakota. Jane and Kirk shared not only a life together, but also a love of teaching, spending their entire career as educators in the same school. Following their retirement, they moved to Alexandria, Minnesota.
Jane was an active and devoted member of Calvary Lutheran Church, where she served on the church council. She also served on the Lake Darling Area Association Board and was a member of the Zetetic Study Club and a local book club.
Jane had many interests that brought her joy throughout her life. Her mother-in-law taught her to play bridge, and Jane soon became an avid player. She faithfully completed the crossword puzzle in the daily newspaper and was an enthusiastic reader. With a love of books that ran deep, her home contained enough books to resemble a small library. Jane was also an avid sports fan, particularly enjoying following Minnesota teams.
Above all, Jane will be remembered for the compassion she showed to others. She had a special ability to recognize when someone was struggling and was always willing to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, or a kind word. She could appreciate humor and loved to laugh, bringing warmth and joy to those around her. Her influence as a teacher, friend, wife, and member of her community will be remembered by many lives she touched throughout her years.
Jane Alice Landman passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Alomere Health at the age of 83. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Kirk Landman; sister, Helen (Thomas) Flynn; nephew, Daniel Flynn; and several cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents.
