Signe Durnin

Signe Durnin, 85, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister passed away on October 30, 2024, at her home in Portland, Oregon. Signe was born on August 19, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa, daughter of Virgle and Johanna (Farber) Van Houten. A private family service was held. Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport, Iowa. 

 Signe was a very hardworking woman with a great sense of humor raising three boys. She was an excellent student in High School; active in many activities including cheerleading. Signe was awarded a scholarship to University of Iowa but opted to train in nursing at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota.

 Following her nursing training she worked in the pediatric ward at the University of Iowa from 1960 – 61 where she met Dr. Robert Durnin, and they were married on August 18, 1962. She moved with Bob to Los Angeles California and worked as a pediatric nurse at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital. She and Bob eventually made their way to Madison Wisconsin to raise their three boys. They would later travel the world and visit places such as China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sweden and Denmark.

 Signe enjoyed puzzles, needlework and was a voracious reader of mystery and detective novels; her favorite author being Agatha Christie. Signe’s biggest passion however was antiques and historic homes. She had an expert eye for unique antiques, design and refurbishment of historic properties. She owned a successful antiques business called Time & Again Antiques in Mineral Point, Wisconsin and together, she and Bob refurbished 5 other homes and buildings in Mineral Point dating back to the 1700's.

 It's safe to say she would consider her biggest accomplishment the raising of her three boys. She was an extremely caring and loving mother. Always supportive of their crazy endeavors and misadventures. Never too soft and never too hard but just the right mixture of love, support, encouragement and when necessary, discipline.

 Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Robert; children Matthew (Stephanie) Durnin, Jonathan (Wendi) Durnin and Tim (Shannon) Durnin; grandchildren Mackenzie, Owen, Braedon, Aubrey, Kaelyn and Chase; and sibling Jeff Van Houten.

 She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Mike, Chip and Steve Van Houten.