Dorothy Lansen, nee Ryder, died Monday, February 2, 2004, in Cape Coral, Florida, after a short illness. Born Dorothy Louise Ryder, Mrs. Lansen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bob Lansen; four children, Thomas and wife Tara of Bedford Corners, New York, Greg and wife Vicki of Costa Rica, Lori of Dallas, Texas, and Carol Lansen of Belair, California; her sister, Marguerite West; and four grandchildren, Honore, Dessa, Thomas, and Daniel Lansen. She is pre-deceased by her son, Douglas. Mrs. Lansen was born in East Chicago, Indiana, and attended Roosevelt High School. She and Mr. Lansen were married in 1946. They raised their family in Griffith, Indiana before moving to Appleton, Wisconsin in 1962, where Mr. Lansen was first associated with Curwood, Inc., before becoming the founder and CEO of Duralam, Inc. The Lansens built a home in Cape Coral, Florida, where they wintered from 1974 to 1982, when Cape Coral became their permanent home. Mrs. Lansen was active in church and community affairs in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Florida. She was a Lady Elk. In addition to her role as partner and friend to her husband, she was a devoted and encouraging mother to her children, who became a senior advertising executive, a senior industrial engineer, an attorney, and a neurosurgeon. In addition to her roles as wife and mother, Mrs. Lansen was an avid golfer. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2004, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 West Marquette Street, Appleton, with Rev. Donald Zuleger officiating. Visitors will be received at the funeral home on Thursday, February 5, from 3 until 7 p.m., and again at the church on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 North Superior Street, Appleton, WI. 920-739-1231 www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com
