Harlan Lanzer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Harlan Leland “Lee” Lanzer, patriarch of our family, left us for Heaven into his Mother and Father’s waiting arms on November 28, 2022. Lee was born August 24, 1945, the oldest of five children, to Harlan “Babe” and Shirley Lanzer in Canton, Ohio. His childhood years were spent in the Hartville “muck farm area” where his parents raised vegetables as fourth generation of the Machamer/Lanzer early settlers. He and his brother Tim attended grade school in Marlboro. When the summer vegetable crops were all harvested the “muck families” moved to Florida to raise winter crops. The boys attended school in Belle Glade. When he was in junior high, his family made the decision to move back to Ohio permanently.

Lee was a 1963 graduate of Marlington High School and a 1969 graduate of Kent State University receiving a BS in Business. While in college, Lee married Diana Bansberg on June 16, 1967. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy and was selected for Officer Candidate School. He attended Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, joining his first submarine crew on the USS Sailfish in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lieutenant Commander Lanzer would go on to serve on several submarines, both diesel and nuclear. After leaving the Navy, he was employed by NASA where he worked on the Shuttle project. Later he would join Quality Oil and Gas, a family business, and his own computer consulting business.

Lee was a longtime member of Marlboro Christian Church. He was an active member of the Homeworth Masonic Lodge #499. Lee loved doing anything with his family, including camping, fishing and traveling.

Lee is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Diana Lanzer; his sons, Harlan Matthew “Matt” (Mikol) and Jason Lanzer; and daughter, Jody Lanzer. He was grandpa to Kaylynn Lanzer (Jess) Kennedy, Mariah Lanzer, Noah Lanzer, Harlan Andrew Lanzer, Gabriel Lanzer, McKenna Hoover, William Lanzer, Katlin Hoover. His best little buddy was his great-grandson, Braylen Mays. His siblings are Timothy (Pat) Lanzer, Denise (Rick) Lauener, Leslie (John) Wasem and Tammie (Bob) Sader. He is also survived by many dear cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Babe and Shirley Lanzer and many favorite Aunts, Uncles and a cousin.

We will ALL miss his smile, hugs, and love for everyone along with his “Luv ya, Luv ya”.

A visitation will be held at Marlboro Christian Church on Monday, December 5th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 6th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a service to follow. Pastor Ed Carter will officiate. As Lee loved serving his country, a burial at sea will take place in March of 2023.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home 75 South Union Ave Alliance, Ohio 44601.