Ruth Signey (Olson) Langer

Langer, Ruth Signey Burnton Ruth Burnton Langer, 87, of De Pere, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from complications from a series of strokes. Ruth was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on May 1, 1928 to the late John F. and Erika (Lundquist) Olson of Mountain, Wisconsin and was the youngest of four children. Both her father and mother were Swedish immigrants and they settled into a life of farming in Mountain, Wisconsin and then in 1936 moving near Suring, Wisconsin. Ruth attended Oconto Falls High School and then after moved to Green Bay. She married C. Richard Burnton on April 30, 1955 and in the years that followed raised her family with her husband Dick in Green Bay, moving to De Pere in 1964. With eight children she was an active member of St. Francis. Her husband Dick preceded her in death on May 3, 1983. At the time of his death Dick was the General Manager of WBAY Television in Green Bay. Following his death Ruth worked in a number of retail positions to support her family, and basked in the friendship of her community of friends. On April 18, 1998 Ruth married Paul F. Langer of De Pere. In the years that followed they spent much time at their lake house in Lakewood, Wisconsin and wintered in Winter Haven, Florida, as well as maintaining a residence in De Pere. During these years they traveled the world, played golf and enjoyed many sunsets together. Ruth loved the company of others, was an active bridge player and golfer, and was close to all of her children and many grandchildren. She was also beloved by the children and grandchildren of her husband Paul. She was a die-hard Packer fan and loved the companionship of her many friends and family. She had an uncanny ability to make and keep friends and inspired all to be kinder and better people. Ruth is survived by her husband Paul; her eight children including Cal (Jeanne) of Arlington Heights, IL; Nancy Eaton (Jim) of Centerville, MN; Jeff (Irene) of Phoenix, AZ; Amy of Minnetonka, MN; Sarah Novak (Kevin) of West Bend, WI; Richard (Mary) of Edina, MN; Stacey McBride of Southlake, TX; and Julie Raisleger (Paul) of Middleton, WI. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. In addition, Ruth leaves five step children and their children. She is also survived by her brother Bob’s wife Bette Olson, many nieces and nephews and their children, and in recent years their children. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, John and Erika Olson, her first husband C. Richard Burnton, her sister Blenda Webster, her two brothers Gustave and Robert Olson, her niece Patricia Olson, nephew Greg Olson and his son Drew. Visitation will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St., De Pere on Saturday, March 12, 2016 starting at 9:30 am with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 am. Entombment will be at the Allouez Catholic Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Ruth’s name to Unity Hospice, at www.unityhospice.org. The Family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Unity Hospice for their kindness and care in Ruth’s final days, as well as the staff at Woodside Manor where Ruth lived in her final months.

Reception:
The Swan Club
875 Heritage Rd.
De Pere, WI 54115