Michael A. Langer

Visitation for Michael A. Langer, Ph.D., 77, of Barrington, will be held Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of Masonic Services, 7:00 p.m. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine.  There will be a private family burial on Monday, April 30, 2018, at Randhill Park Cemetery, Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Born April 21, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, Michael passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 24, 2018.  

Beloved husband of 54 years of Karleen A. Langer (nee Vircks); cherished father of Beth (Ken) Spina and Wendi Lindelli; loving grandfather of Julia and Joseph Spina; dear son of the late Ben H. Langer, Francys Ruth Zurkoff and Arthur S. Lewis; son-in-law of the late Arthur and Harriet Vircks; and best, lifelong friend of Michael J. Levine, M.D.  He was a nephew, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, mentor, and friend to many.

Dr. Langer served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1960-1964.  He became a sworn officer of the Skokie Police Department in 1962, where he served until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 1987.  From 1987 until 1993, he relocated to California where he served as director of the office of internal affairs for the San Francisco Police Commission. Thereafter, he returned to Illinois, serving as supervisor of the investigations bureau (for the 2nd and 3rd Districts) of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office until his retirement from the police force in 2009.

Having received his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago in 1993, Dr. Langer served for many years as adjunct professor of criminal justice at Loyola University Chicago, National-Louis University, Oakton Community College and the College of Lake County. He was also a graduate of Northwestern University’s Police Traffic Institute.

Dr. Langer became a Master Mason in 1982 and later became a Shriner. He was a member of Barrington, Lombard and Brotherhood Lodges. He became a member of the Medinah Shriners, participating in the Police Unit and the Big Wheels. He was also a founding and lifetime member of Medinah’s Amateur Radio Unit. In addition, he was a member of National Sojourners and the Northwest Suburban Shrine Club.

Michael cherished every moment of the 54 years he spent with his wife, Karleen, the love of his life, whom he often referred to as ‘Saint Karleen of Barrington’ for her tireless devotion.

He loved the Chicago Blackhawks and made friends at every game he attended with his daughter, Beth, with whom he shared many special moments including seeing the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in-person on home ice in 2015. He also enjoyed target shooting at the range with his daughter, Wendi. He had a special fondness for French Canada and enjoyed speaking French at every opportunity. His family and country meant everything to him. Michael Langer devoted his life to service. Forever in our hearts, he made us proud and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 N. Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60707, would be deeply appreciated.