Vivian (Linsmeier) Langer

Vivian Linsmeier Langer, age 86, of Lakewood and Green Bay, passed away Tuesday, April 16 from Progressive Supranuclear Palsey. Born in Milwaukee on April 24, 1926, Vivian was a lighthouse keepers daughter. When Vivian was born her father, Charles Linsmeier, was serving at the North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee. Later they were transferred to Sheboygan. When Vivian was just nine years old, her mother, Esther Phillips, passed away. At that young age, Vivian assumed many family responsibilities. When she was sixteen, her father was transferred to the Rawley Point Lighthouse about seven miles north of Two Rivers. She graduated with honors from Washington High School, Two Rivers, class of 1944. There she met her future husband, Norbert. They were married on January 24, 1948. Vivian and Norbert have eight children; DAVID (Laura) Langer, FL children April Gibson (husband Patrick, children Anna Sophia Gibson); Sarah Zeske (husband Tom, children Nicole Cassie Henson, Tommy Tiana Zeske); Rachael Rhodes (husband Drew III, child Drew Rhodes lV); Joy Wood (deceased husband Avery); CAROL Langer, MN special friend Diane Knust; MARY (Tom) Mitchell, WI children Matthew Mitchell, wife (Flor) Daniel Mitchell (fiancé, Andrea Bliss); RUTH Langer Noack, MN children Kristen Christopherson (husband Ryan, child Emily), Jacob Noack; Katie Posey, husband Brandon, children Patrick, Lebron, Jalen; BRUCE Langer (Jean) KY children Jennifer Downs (husband Michael), Jessica Langer; ANNE (Aaron) Vanden Avond, WI children, David Vanden Avond (wife Heidi, children Rudy Austin Vanden Avond), Rory (Amber) Vanden Avond, Mark Vanden Avond; ANDREW (Cathleen) Langer, TX children Amy Kimlinger, (husband Rob), Kari (husband Jeriahme, children Cade Caleb Miller), Brandon Langer and; THERESE (Andy) Woelfel, WI, children Ryan Woelfel (wife Stephanie children Ashlynn Brynlee Woelfel), Cody Woelfel, Kelsey Woelfel, Jami La Haye. Vivian was the most generous and kindest person her family has ever known. She lived for her family. After the children were all educated, she and Norbert, who was a pilot for American Airlines, traveled extensively. Throughout their marriage, Vivian and Norbert lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas and Florida. Although Lakewood, WI has felt like their family home as they owned a cottage on Maiden Lake for over 31 years and later a home on Lakewood Airpark. For seven years, they monitored a trail of 150 bluebird nest boxes for the Lakewood division of the U.S. Forest Service and for 20 years they managed the Holt-Balcom Logging Camp Museum near Lakewood, for the McCaslin Lion’s Club and the Oconto County Historical Society. Vivian is further survived by brother-in-law John Schubert, and countless nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart. Vivian was preceded in death by her mother, Esther, father Charles, step-mother Dula, brother Charles Linsmeier, sister Judy Schubert and sister-in-law Marlene Linsmeier. Family and friends may visit at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Parish, 15232 County Road F, Lakewood, from 9:30am until the hour of Mass on Saturday, April 20. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am, at the church, with the Rev. Jason Blahnik officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. A memorial fund is being established. The family would like to thank Director Marilyn Lance and staff of Carrington Manor for letting Norbert and Vivian finish their love story there. We would also like to thank Dr. David Kaufman for his great compassionate care. A special thank you to Carlie and Brittany for accompanying Mom and Dad to their home in Lakewood last fall, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Reception:
St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Parish
15232 County Road F
Lakewood, WI 54138