DEAN A. LANGER1956-2009Dean A. Langer, age 53 of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday April 25, 2009 at Aurora Medical Center surrounded by his family.He was born in Milwaukee on February 24, 1956, the son of Walter (June) Langer of Kenosha. A graduate of Tremper High School. Dean owned and operated Highland Financial Services in Kenosha for over 25 years. On September 28, 1991 he married Wendy (nee Wendt) in Brookfield, WIHe attended St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Dean enjoyed talking to people; he would give anyone the shirt off his back and sharing his financial knowledge with them. He loved the art of Karate, earning a Black Belt in the sport, along with playing video games on the computer. Surviving are his loving wife Wendy of 17 years, his parents, Walter (June) Langer of Kenosha, his mother and father in-law Richard (Carol) Wendt of New Berlin, WI, one brother Richard (Sally) of Ocala, FL, brother in-law Jeff (Jean) Wendt of Genesee, WI, two sister in-laws : Julie (Darren) Brooks of Menomonee Falls, WI, Amy (Jeremy) Kirschnik of Mukwanago, WI, and his two loving companion dogs, Faith and Wolfy. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.He was preceded in death by his grandparents, one sister in-law Tammy Wendt and aunts and uncles.A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday May 3, 2009 at 3:00 P.M. at the Proko Funeral Home. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in the name of Dean A. Langer.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th St. PH: 654-3533Visit Dean’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Randy Smith
May 3, 2009
My heart felt sorrow & sympathy go out to Deans family. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers. I haven't seen Dean for quite a few years. Dean was a great friend & someone you could always count on. We had some great times in high school as team mates on the football team, penny poker nites with his Dad(which he always seemed to lose)-chasing each other around town in our cars & managing to run into each other & many more great memories. May God bless you & keep you Dean-you will be missed.
Ann Langer
May 1, 2009
I met Dean about 6 years ago through his cousin and my (now) husband, Jeff. From the moment I met him it was clear that he was a kind and generous person with an infectious laugh. If it were not for Dean helping us out with our wedding expenses, we would not have had such a fine wedding! His beloved dogs, Wolfy and Faith became fast friends with our dog Frodo and Frodo loved Dean in his canine way. He would run up to Dean’s bedroom and jump on him if he was still sleeping when we got there. Dean loved the way Frodo would charge out into his yard to chase the squirrels. I think Dean deliberately fed the squirrels just to keep them around for Frodo. Jeff often told me how much Dean helped him through when his life hit its rough patch after his surgeries. I hope that we can pay it forward to his wife, Wendy and his parents, June and Wally. My heart goes out to them. Dean’s passing is truly a loss to all who knew him.
Jeff Langer
May 1, 2009
Dean, we shared many good times together and I miss you already. You stood by me when I had my health crises and helped me any way you could. You were more than a cousin, you were my good friend. You loved to tell stories and make others laugh. I stood up at your wedding to Wendy and welcomed her into our family. I always thought you made a good choice with her and that proved true. She stood by you, even when times got tough. I will miss you, but know you are cracking the angels up in heaven.
Liz (Diamante) Bennett
May 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dean's family. My family and I are so sorry for your loss. My sisters and I grew up with Dean in the old Roosevelt Rd neighborhood, and then years later Dean and I were great friends at Tremper. Having moved away from Kenosha many years ago, I hadn't see Dean in a long time, but I remember his smile and infectious laugh! He was a good friend to all he knew, and the world is a better place because he was a part of it.
mike hopkins
May 1, 2009
VERY SADDENED TO HEAR OF DEAN'S PASSING....SUCH A KIND,NICE AND CARING PERSON....
Jerry Bruns
April 29, 2009
Total shock came over me when my son Brian called me to inform me of Dean's passing.Dean and I did many things together, from martial arts, morning walks (exercise), and working together at Ladish co., and the insurance business.He is a person you would love to be with. Always laughing.Lots of memoriesSadly missed- Jerry
Cindy Bruns
April 29, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Dean. My son just informed me. Dean and my ex-husband, Jerry, were friends and co-workers at one time. I will never forget the time Dean joined us for dinner. As Dean was really enjoying the roast that Jerry had made, I said "gee, you can invite Dean over anytime we have venison." Dean's fork stopped half way to his mouth with the most surprised look on his face. I did not realize that Jerry did not tell him it was venison. Of course, that only made Dean pause for a moment before resuming to eat and we all had a good laugh. More recently, I would run into Dean in Pick N Save, but now I realize that I have not seen him in some time. We will all miss his laugh and his stories. He was such a character. My heart goes out to his family. May they find peace in all the good memories.
Sharon Meekma
April 28, 2009
Dean's family you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was shocked when I heard of your loss. I remember Dean as a person that when you first met him he made you feel like he had been your friend for years. He made you feel welcomed and always lifted my spirits with his humor. He will be greatly missed.
Patrick (Pat) Hamm
April 28, 2009
Wendy,My heart sank when I saw this in the paper and it made me so sad to think how long it had been since I'd last seen "Deano". I first met this character when I managed the arcade in Old Market Square as Dean was a frequent customer coming to play games when he wasn't busy with Highland. Forever joking and having one of the greatest laughs I have ever heard, we talked often and became friends as his office was in the same building. Eventually through mutual friends I discovered his love of karate, working out with Dean several times a week, I'm so happy he achieved his goal of black belt. As human beings go I could not have asked for a kinder, gentler friend than the one I had in Deano. He will be truly missed. From wife Beth and myself our most heartfelt condolence's
Mary Esser
April 28, 2009
I will miss you and your great sense of humor. I love the times we spent with you and Wendy and will smile whenever I think of all of us...'cheating' at cribbage...eating Luigi's...watching the X Files...going to Tremper football games...listening to your daring tales of adventure...4th of July at Gay and Bill's...Air Supply...'Hey Baby'...thanks for all the wonderful memories.
Tim Esser
April 28, 2009
Dean's impact on my life will last fovever in me. From first being a neighborhood bully in my childhood to becoming lasting friends in junior high, lifelong friends, he challenged me to do things I would not normally do, without daring me to do so. He made everything fun and exciting, without losing sight of being compassionate. He would support you when you were down. A wild and exciting man.He and I golfed at our class reunion one time. We watched Steve Klopstein hit a ball almost vertically over a tall tree and saw it land on the green yards away--we looked at each other and said wow. We then teed for the next green. Dean's shot hit a tree about seventy yards away and came back to us almost to our feet--we looked at each other and said wow. Dean provided a life filled with such wows for us. Thank you Dean. Kick some demon asses on your way to heaven. Make them fear us when we speak your name.
cherilyn romero (molter)
April 28, 2009
dear wendy, i just wanted to say that i am thinking of you and i know you as a strong woman and you can get through this. jose, bella and i wanted to say sorry for your loss.dean seemed liked a great man.
Gay Anne Birkholz
April 27, 2009
Dean, We will miss your chuckle and humor. Bill and I had many enjoyable times together with you and Wendy. Fond memories of picnics, going out to eat, football games, and just getting together to chat. You will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace. Our heartfelt condolences to Wendy and family.
Margo Stollenwerk
April 27, 2009
Your Heart is your Love, Your love is your Family , Your family is your Future , Your future is your Destiny , Your destiny is your Ambition, Your ambition is your Aspiration , Your aspiration is your Motivation , Your motivation is your Belief Your belief is your Peace , Your peace is your Target , Your target is Heaven,
Craig Birkholz
April 27, 2009
Dean was a great man who was a role model to me as a teen. He taught me the importance of staying in shape and became my weight lifting partner for several years as I grew up. He also helped me by allowing me to help him with his yard and house work just so I could earn some money. He was a good friend and he will be missed!
Deb Borggren
April 27, 2009
My heart is breaking. Dean was such a beautiful soul. I knew him from Tremper and he was so incredibly funny. I always enjoyed his company. Oh, this is so very sad. I cannot believe this has happened. Dean now looks upon the face of God, something no human can imagine, and he lives forever with our Father and all the angels and saints. My deepest sympathy to his family. Dean, pray for us who are left behind. We will see each other again.
Debbie Devine
April 27, 2009
I knew you very well in high school we all had alot of fun those days. Very sad to hear that you passed, Dean. You were so much fun in school. Sadly missed deepest regards to your family. Debbie Devine
Mark T. Onosko
April 26, 2009
My heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the Langer Family in this most difficult of times. Dean's long journey in life has ended. I hope that he's found peace.I first met Dean when he was around 7 years old at Lilly Lake while he and Dick were at a TriClover picnic with Uncle Bob and Aunt Rachel (Ruth). Our friendship, however, developed during out college days as we ran with the same group of friends from his days at Tremper. After college, we developed a unique friendship - almost a brotherhood. For many years, through ups and downs, he was always a true friend, a kindred spirit.I last spoke with him in February, the day of the last big snowstorm. He promised to come and visit Joyce and me at our home in New England this year. He was happy when he said goodbye. It's the way that I'll always remember him. This world is a much better place because Dean Langer was in it. Dean A. Langer - gone too soon.You buddy,-Mark