Obituary of James Oliver Langmo

Langmo, James Oliver

Passed away unexpectedly at home on September 21, 2019. He is survived by his loving children, Margaret Meyer and Oliver Langmo (Ida Jensen) and his granddaughter, Frances Elizabeth Langmo. He will always be remembered for his love for his family and deep knowledge of books, music and popular culture. Jim was born on June 18, 1950 in Estherville, Iowa to Elywn (known as Tad) and Mary Langmo, the oldest of three sons. Jim's brothers, Steven and Thomas, preceded him in death. The mother of his children and ex-wife, Emily Fuerste Swanson, remained a close friend and lives in Carlton, MN. He was a National Merit Scholar who graduated from Macalester College in 1972 and from the University of Wisconsin Library and Information Studies program with a Master's Degree in 1973. He initially worked in academic libraries but found his passion in public libraries. He firmly believed that democracy depends on an informed population, and that free people must be able to get all the information they need at the library. He worked in public libraries in Grand Rapids and East Lansing, Michigan, then retired from the Washington County Library in 2015. Jim also greatly enjoyed travel, and was especially interested in Australia, which he visited on two lengthy trips. In his younger years, he was an avid paddler, canoeing the Boundary Waters, the Quetico and the rivers of West Michigan. He also enjoyed backpacking in Glacier, Grand Tetons, Rocky Mountain, and Isle Royale National Parks. Jim was also a trivia master, and a formidable cribbage player. His family will honor his memory with a private service. Arrange-ments will be made with the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7835 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445.