Dorothy Langrehr

Dorothy Langrehr, age 88, was born into Eternal Life on Monday, March 30, 2009 at HospiceCare. She accepted death gracefully, and she died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy was a role model in how to live life fully, especially in the face of adversity. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois during the Depression, the youngest child of a Lutheran minister. She survived polio in 1952, and during her later years, lived courageously with the effects of post-polio syndrome. Her childhood nickname was "Sunshine" and as an adult, Dorothy taught her children the power of optimism and faith. She had many talents, including quilt making, sewing, handicrafts, baking, and playing the organ and handbells. Dorothy was a life-long competitive bridge player and loved to win. She played bridge for the last time a week before her death and she had the highest score. Dorothy was the epitome of an energetic, can-do person. She was a founding member of a church in Rockford Illinois, organized craft fairs, and initiated the movie program at Middleton Glen, her most recent residence. Dorothy maintained long-standing relationships and continued to make new friends throughout her life. She was curious and bright, and was always interested in learning new skills, such as the computer. Dorothy enjoyed worldwide travel with her husband, John, and after his death, with her children. She was active in the Lutheran church throughout her life, and her faith was an integral part of her day-to-day living. Most recently, she initiated a bible study group at Middleton Glen. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, John, an infant son Michael, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her three children, Richard (Audrey) Langer, of Middleton, Wisconsin, Ellen Langrehr (Dan Dudovick) of Madison, Wisconsin, and Stuart (Carol) Langrehr of Buena Vista, Colorado. She is also survived by two grandchildren Kathy Langer (Devin Novara) of South Jordan, Utah and Mike Langer (Ginny Goldberg) of Portland, Oregon and three great-grandchildren, Cade and Cole Novara of South Jordan, Utah and Leo Langer of Portland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of the Living Church or HospiceCare. A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 4 at Lutheran Church of the Living Christ, 110 North Gammon Road, Madison, from 9:30 am -10:30 am followed by a celebratory service of her life at 10:30 am. After the service, a luncheon will be served. Burial will follow in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, Illinois at 2:45 PM. The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin McAllister and nurse Nancy, Dr. Robert Olson and nurses Merle and Terry, and the medical director and staff of HospiceCare, all of whom provided exemplary and compassionate care to Dorothy. Dorothy believed that "life is for living, caring, and sharing with people we love." She will live in our hearts forever. Her time with us is a gift we will always treasure.