Funeral services for Peter J. Lanser, 89, were held at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church in Englewood, CO, on Nov. 29, 2014. On July 10, 1925, Peter James Lanser was born in Sully to John and Elizabeth Lanser. As one of 12 children in a farming family, Pete grew up with lessons of appreciating what the Lord has provided, working hard, treasuring family bonds, and being a blessing to others. At age 12, his mother died, leaving a number of the children still at home with their father. Responsibilities called him away from formal schooling after eighth grade, and he dedicated his time to working on the farm and helping his family wherever he was needed.
After working on the family farm, hiring out to other farmers, and spending a brief time employed in Denver, Pete was drafted into the Army, where he served until he was honorably discharged on a family hardship basis, since he was badly needed to assist his father on the farm. When he returned to Iowa, Pete earned his GED and continued farming for a number of years. In 1952, Pete met Junella Rozendaal, who became his beloved wife for more then 61 years.
When they married in 1953, Pete and Junella took over a small grocery store in Sully, where they remained for three years, running the store until they once again moved to the farm to help Pete’s aging father and eventually on to another farm near Newton. During this time, all three of their children (Beth, Ellen, and Bradley who survive him) were born. He is also survived by grandchildren Alex, Jeff, Patrick, Colin, Elisabeth, and Christine.
In 1962, the family moved to Denver, CO. Pete found work to support the family at a manufacturing company, later moving to a position with a landscape company where he specialized in sprinkler system service until he retired in 1993.
Pete lived his life as a quiet, gentle servant of the Lord. From meeting his family’s needs as a young man, to loving his wife and children with all his heart, to serving on church council, Christian school board, and teaching catechism, to being a simple, loving witness to all who came into contact with him, his focus was on others. Pete was a living witness to the Lord.
In the early morning on Nov. 25, 2014, Pete was called home to his Lord. His work was finished, and his witness will remain for years, bearing the fruits of the Lord’s calling.
