T. Janice (Vodde) Lengerich

The world lost an angel disguised as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. T. Janice ‘Jan’ Lengerich, 89, of Decatur, IN passed away at her residence at Adams Woodcrest on January 13th, 2026. She was born in New Haven, IN on December 31, 1936, the daughter of the late Leo B. and Frances M. (Vachon) Vodde.

She was a 1955 graduate of New Haven High School where she met lifelong friends (that started a monthly Euchre Club that continues to meet to this day). Shortly after graduation, she met Dan Lengerich at a CYO dance. At first glance, he decided that she was the cutest girl he had ever laid eyes on. While dating, he declared her his ‘Doll Bucket’ and she declared him her ‘Poopsie’. They were married on January 3rd, 1957. After marriage, she quickly expanded her resume to include ‘maker of fluffernutters’, bearer of ‘Rootin Tootin’ cups, Chief Potty Trainer, powerful Prayer Warrier, and Best Grammy EVER!

She and Dan were parishioners of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. She left a legacy of love, charity, a strong faith in God and a devotion to the Virgin Mary that we can only hope to achieve.

After 52 years of adoring her, Dan preceded her in death on February 25, 2009. Her Son Marcus A. Lengerich also became one of her guardian angels on March 23, 2004. She was preceded in death by 5 siblings, Alma Lescak, Bernard Vodde, Gerald Vodde, Sr. Jane Cecilia (Marcille) Vodde C.S.A., and Rosanne Miller.

Jan is survived by her 6 children, Johanna (Travis) Spannan of Decatur, IN; Jennifer (Eric Wilson) Lengerich of Indianapolis, IN; Daniel L. Lengerich of Grass Valley, CA; Luke Vodde (Julie) Lengerich of Hoagland, IN; Mimi (Nan Thomas) Lengerich-Thomas of Geist, IN; Francie (Matt Palmer) Lengerich of Ft. Wayne, IN; a brother, Dr. Thomas (Carol) Vodde of Ft. Wayne, IN; 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

In the meantime, we’re all awaiting the next time we hear “Grammy’s Here!!”

On Monday, January 19, 2026, Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Porter Auditorium at Adams Woodcrest and from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 4:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday January 20, 2026, in St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Jacob Runyon presiding. Visitation will be held an hour prior to Mass from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall.  Burial will immediately follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made to Agape Respite Care. 

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