Richard E. Lanke

    Richard E. Lanke of Fredonia, age 84, went home to his Lord on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, unexpectedly after a 14-day battle with the Covid-19 virus at Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee Hospital in Mequon.  
    He was born Aug. 29, 1936, the son of Lawrence and Helen (nee Allen) Lanke.  On June 23, 1956, he married JoAnn Rathbun in Prairie du Chien, Wis., and together they had two daughters.
    Richard graduated from Prairie du Chien High School in 1953. He worked at Wisconsin Energy Co. for 33 years. He began his career there as a helper and with determination he made his way up the ladder and retired as superintendent in 1994.  
    Richard was noted for his fairness and impartiality. He also did carpentry on the side throughout his career.  
    Richard often returned to Prairie du Chien to visit friends from his hometown. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed a beer while watching the games.  Richard was a member of the Divine Savior Parish for 62 years.  
    Above all he loved his children and grandchildren. He even homeschooled his 7-year-old great-grandson during this pandemic. We will love you forever. Richard will be remembered for his humor and strong political beliefs.  
    Richard is survived by his daughters Jill (Wayne) Casper of Fredonia and Jackie (Kevin) Schuettpelz of Kaukauna, Wis.; grandchildren Amanda Casper and Noah (special friend Carolyn Lehman) Schuettpelz; great-grandson Caden Casper; special friend Geri Jacoby and her children Rhonda, Keith and Curt; and sister Carol Pillard.  
    He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years JoAnn (1937-2010); brother Allen Lanke; sister-in-law Mitz Lanke; brother-in-law Jerry Pillard; and nephew Todd Pillard.
    A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, at Divine Savior Parish, Holy Cross Chapel, 5330 Co. Rd. B, Belgium, Wis. 53004.  
    Visitation will be at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, Wis. 53074, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday prior to the service.  
    Richard’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to the ICU nurses (especially Lauren Kaslick) who were at his side when his family was prohibited from being there due to the virus.
    Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.