William Joseph Lanzer

Officer William Lanzer, upon his commission in 1945

William Joseph Lanzer, age 87, of Dover, died of cancer in his home early Friday morning, March 30, 2007. A son of the late Henry and Hulda Rufley Lanzer, William was born at Dover, September 30, 1919. Better known as Bill to his friends, he was a 1937 graduate of Dover High School. Together with his father, and later in life by himself, Mr. Lanzer was a substantial builder of single and multi family homes throughout Dover. During World War II, he joined the Army Air Corps Â? known today as the Air Force, for flight training in 1942. Bill was commissioned an officer in 1945. Although he was certified to fly several aircraft, he flew a B-24 bomber in the Pacific Theatre during the war. Mr. Lanzer returned to Dover from the service in 1950 Â? always proud to have brought every member of his crew home to their families safely. For many years, William was affiliated with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company – and was a top-rated insurance agent for the company for many years. He will be remembered as an agent who always cared about his clientele. A lifelong member of the Dover VFW Post 3426 and the Tuscarawas County Senior Center where he was well known for his dancing, which he greatly enjoyed. In recent years, he organized a food bank and delivery service to care for elderly community members who lived on a fixed income, and were homebound. At his own expense, he delivered produce and canned goods to as many as thirty-seven homes in the area.Mr. Lanzer will be remembered as a good father, a well-respected neighbor and friend to everyone. His family includes his much beloved and long time companion Helen “Bunky” Eick, of Dover, a son, Richard Lanzer Sr of Dover; two daughters, Christine Farnsworth of New Philadelphia and Diane Zell of Cathedral City, California. He’ll be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Joshua Lanzer, Adam, Philip, and Lindi Rogers, and Ericson Farnsworth. Seven great-grandchildren complete the family. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his sister, Marjory Bryan; his brother, Robert Lanzer; a son, Robert Lanzer; and his grandson, Richard Lanzer II. Friends are invited to call Thursday evening, April 5, from 6PM-7PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A time for sharing memories will commence at 7PM and conclude with military committal services, rendered by his comrades from the Dover VFW Military Honor Guard. A reception and fellowship time will follow in the Geib Funeral Center. Mr. Lanzer has been cremated, and his urn will be interred in Dover Burial Park at Dover in a private family service later in the week. The Lanzer family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622. Geib Funeral Center at Dover(330) 343-5506www.geibfuneral.com