Betty Lanser

Betty Lanser of Port Washington passed away peacefully on Sept. 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was 92 years old.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Betty was born in Fredonia, Wis., on Jan. 15, 1934, the daughter of Leo and Rose (nee Schanen) Paulus. She attended Port Washington High School and graduated with the class of 1952.   

She married her beloved husband Al on June 11, 1955, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Fredonia and they raised nine children together.

She and Al were among the founding members of St. Peter of Alcantara Parish in Port Washington. A woman of faith, Betty was an active member of the church and community.

She worked as a unit clerk at St. Alphonsus Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and Ascension Health for many years. 

She made meals for St. Ben’s Community Meal Program and volunteered at the Port Washington Food Pantry and Lincoln Elementary Breakfast Program.

Betty enjoyed many hobbies including making a yearly Christmas ornament for her kids, decorating cakes for family celebrations and baking her famous butterhorns.

From multistate road trips with Al and the kids and weekends at their cottage in Shawano to vacations with friends and family, Betty was known for her adventurous spirit. She had an unforgettable laugh and loved sharing it with everyone she met.

She will be missed by her eight children, Chuck (Leslie), Rick, Bob (Patty), Paul (Karin), Mary Kay Armamentos, Gary (Lori), Tom (Jodi) and Cathy (Joel) Gove.  She is further survived by 24 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way), her brother Rich (JoAnn) Paulus, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Al, daughter Pattie Smith, parents Leo and Rose, sister Marilyn Prom, brothers Donald and Harry Preisler, many dearly beloved brothers and sisters-in-law and other relatives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington. Father Matthew Kirk will preside over the Mass.

Friends and family are welcome at a visitation at the church on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 4 p.m. until the Mass.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery in Port Washington. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John XXIII Catholic Church.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the family.  

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.