Harold Langhammer

Harold Langhammer

May 06, 1943 - February 23, 2022

Obituary

MADISON - Harold Langhammer, born in Madison, May 6, 1943, dedicated husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, with an eye and heart for the unusual, passed away at age 78, on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022.


Harold and his late brother, David, grew up on Madison's east side. His dad, Otto, a bookseller, and his mom, Rose, a dressmaker, lived and ran both businesses on Milwaukee Street. In his youth he was a Boy Scout, and later a member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps with David. He attended Madison East High School and received a law degree from UW-Madison.


Harold practiced law in Madison and later became a bookseller and real estate entrepreneur. Early in his career, he helped organize and move the Gates of Heaven synagogue from its original location on West Washington Avenue to James Madison Park.


In the seventies, he renovated an old schoolhouse and built a bathhouse in Brooklyn, Wis. This became his home and inspired lifelong memories and stories shared by family and friends: Rah Rah Brooklyn Bathhouse!


He was elected Brooklyn Town Supervisor and fought for the rural integrity of the area.


He and his wife Phyllis shared a long and happy life together. Harold enjoyed supporting events at UW- Madison's Lathrop Hall, where Phyllis taught dance before her retirement.


Harold is survived by his wife, Phyllis; sons, Garth (Tamra) and Gavin (Petra); granddaughter, Treise (Ryan); grandsons, Evin, Jude, Charley and Noah; and nephews, Michael (Michelle) and Jason (Kris) of Cincinnati, Ohio.


We are very grateful to the dedicated staff at UW Hospital. You made all the difference.


Harold’s life will be celebrated this spring at the GATES OF HEAVEN, 302 E. Gorham St., Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


Events

07
Visitation
Sat May 7, 2022 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
Gates of Heaven • 302 E. Gorham Street, Madison, WI 53706
No photos of Harold have been shared yet.
KM
Karen McShane-Hellenbrand
Other •
Dear Phyllis, My heart is heavy hearing the news of Harold's passing! I am sending huge warm hugs and energy into the world to support you. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family. Blessings and Peace, Karen McShane-Hellenbrand
CD
cindy dushack
Other •
Phyllis, So sorry to hear about the passing of your dear husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Cindy Dushack
TK
Tracy Kramer
Other •
Dear Phyllis, Garth, Gavin and wonderful family of Harold, We planned to attend the Celebration of Life this afternoon and now I am ill. I am grateful to Harold for his unwavering friendship with my dad. From the Madison Scouts and neighborhood shenanigans to a real estate business together...they shared a lifelong friendship filled with hundreds of memories and much laughter and respect. Harold was a kind and funny man who always made me smile; he will be very missed by many. All our love, ❤️ Tracy Kramer and family (Greg, Kate, Brooke)
PS
Paul Schoeneman
Other •
Harold was a kind and valued soul who was a friend to what the best of Madison could be. State Street Center was a hub of social activity. Harold was a great friend to Madison Historic Preservation, having moved multiple important and historic structures. I last remember having supper with you and Phyllis and Anna Nassif. Rest In Peace dear Harold, your work lives on.

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