Lon A. Jungemann was born April 9, 1956, in Brookings, South Dakota, to Herbert and Verla (Manfall) Jungemann and passed away at home surrounded by his family on Nov. 27, 2022, at the age of 66.
Lon was baptized April 29, 1956, and confirmed May 5, 1970. He graduated from Lutheran High School, Denver, Colorado, in 1974, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College, Seward, in 1979, and received his Master of Science Degree in Computer Science from the University of Nebraska in 1982. Lon was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Seward. Lon worked for 41 years at Concordia University in Seward. There he held both staff and faculty positions. He served as an assistant professor of physics and also taught math and computer science courses beginning in the fall of 1981.
He transitioned to a full-time computing/IT services role as an analyst/programmer/network engineer from 1987 until his death while continuing to teach computer science courses in an adjunct role until 2020. Lon was a brilliant computer scientist and possessed a wealth of knowledge in the field of computer history. He was always willing to help family and friends better understand their own computing needs, providing solutions to fit those needs and often simply sitting back and talking about the history of computers to any and all who would listen. Lon understood the daunting nature of the digital machines and wanted to make sure everyone around him was comfortable with them.
Additionally, Lon loved swimming. He participated on the swim team at Concordia and later, while employed at Concordia, also coached the swim team for several years before Concordia dropped the sport. Lon’s dedication to Concordia University was unmatched, spending countless hours improving their computer needs and networks. Students and staff for decades to come will reap the benefits of Lon’s hard work. Lon’s passion for flying was inspired by his father and uncles. He owned his own plane, a Piper Cherokee, and always jumped at the opportunity to pilot someone through the beautiful blue skies that he loved.
He used his skills as a volunteer in nursing homes, and on at least one occasion, took one of the residents up, up and away for her first and only airplane ride. Lon was always there for his family and friends. His generosity was unlimited, especially with his time. Nothing made him happier than conversations with the good people around him, sharing a meal or a soda, an ice cream or a great movie. He would rather have spent his time with his coworkers, his friends and his family than anything in the world. In this way, Lon was a thorough and excellent caretaker for his aging parents. Lon will be greatly missed by everyone.
He is preceded in death by his father, Herbert Jungemann. Survivors include his mother, Verla Jungemann of Seward; two sisters, Gale Jungemann-Schulz and her husband, Robin Schulz, of Seward, and Loa Jansen and her husband, Scott, of Denver; beloved nieces, Dana, Jacquelyn, Rachael and Laura and nephew, Brian, as well as 14 great-nieces and nephew; special long-time Christian family Linda Gierhan, Alan Weigle, Kevin and Janelle Potratz, Kent and Beth Einspahr, Don and Sue Sylwester, Marcile Brehmer, Fr. John Rooney and a host of others too numerous to mention.
The funeral service was Dec. 5 at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward with interment at the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Computer Science program at Concordia University. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
