On January 30th, 2026, Laura Jane “Janie” (Kipp) Lichtfuss died peacefully and went to be with Jesus her Lord and Savior. She was 91 years old.

She was the second daughter born to Herman and Laura Kipp of Havana, Illinois. She attended elementary, middle, and high school in Havana and then received her B.A. Degree in both Business and Economics from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN. She completed additional graduate work in Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. While at Valparaiso University, Janie met Armin Lichtfuss, who had just returned from the Korean War and had returned to Valpo for an additional degree. Janie and Armin were married for 54 years and raised two sons, Hans and Kurt. Armin preceded her in death in 2010.

Janie had a remarkable life journey. She drove 18-wheelers across the country for five years, being comfortable in this rather male culture. She was equally comfortable at the console of a powerful church organ, being a church organist for over sixty years.

Along the way, she distinguished herself as President of the Valparaiso University Guild, Valparaiso, IN, and later as Executive Director of that organization, as a public official serving as Mayor of Milliken, Colorado for four years, as a Board Member of Loveland Housing Authority, as a Bible class leader and church librarian at Zion Lutheran Church in Loveland, CO. Janie also had the opportunity to become a pilot of small aircraft.

Janie was known as a good friend with a cheerful and beautiful smile despite hardships along the journey. Her faith was a constant companion. Her faith home was Grace Lutheran Church in Boulder, Colorado and then Zion Lutheran Church in Loveland, Colorado.

Janie is survived by her two sons Hans (Carolyn) and Kurt (Karen); seven grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please donate in honor of Janie to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

The service to celebrate Janie’s life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 16th St in Loveland, Colorado, on February 19th, 2026. Visitation is from 9 to 10am with the Service starting at 10am.