Donald J. Lansing, age 89, of the North Adams Home, formerly of 641 N. 2250th Ave., Ursa, died on Friday, March 30, 2012 in the Home. He was born on February 24, 1923 to Ralph & Agnes (Viele) Lansing in Quincy and married Helen E. Frese on June 24, 1947. She passed away on December 14, 1972. Don attended St. Francis Grade School and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1941. He was a member of the Illinois Militia during WWII. He then worked at Montgomery Wards in Quincy and Bloomington, IL for 35 years, returning to the Quincy area upon retirement. He was a member of St. Rose, St. Joseph’s and currently St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Mendon.
Don spent his retirement years doing the things he enjoyed. He tended his vegetable garden and fruit trees. He cared for his roses. He enjoyed being very active with parish duties during his years at St. Joseph’s and delighted being known as the Ole Grouch. But his greatest love was fishing, being known for his crappie expertise. He caught several approaching 4 lbs in his later years and had a personal best year of slightly over 900 cleaned crappie that was given to friends and family.
The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to North Adams Home and to the Blessing Foundation for Hospice.
He is survived by:
FIVE CHILDREN: Kenneth A. Lansing and his wife Norma of Effingham, IL; Robert J. Lansing of Quincy, Nicholas E. Lansing and his wife Carla of Ursa; Chalres R. Lansing and his wife Lori of Normal, IL; and Theresa Moews and her husband Mike of Bloomington, IL.
TWELVE GRANDCHILDREN: Tisha Hardiek and her husband Mike; Lucas Lansing; Jamie Lansing, Sarah Lansing and her fiancee Drew Hoffman, Alex Lansing, Nathan Lansing and his wife Laura, Brian Lansing and his wife Tanya, Jessica Lansing, Joshua Lansing and his fiancee Katherine Cunningham, and Adam Lansing, Jeff Willenborg and Erin McDevitt and her husband Jeff.
SIX GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN
ONE BROTHER: Edward Lansing and his wife Arlene. IN-LAWS: Bernice Lansing, Ruth Duppong, Marie Gramke, Helen Frese, Betty and Frank Brady.
In addition to his wife, Don was also preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Irma Volbracht and a brother Robert Lansing.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 10:00 AM in St. Edwards Catholic Church in Mendon by Rev. Jeff Stone. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and on Monday morning at St. Edwards Church from 9:30 AM until the time of the services. Memorials may be made to the Emily Buss Cancer Fund or to the Blessing Foundation for Hospice.