Lancaster, Robert L. 1929-2011

LANCASTER, PETERS, BEATTIE

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/21/2011 at 10:38:16

Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Le Mars Daily Sentinel

Robert "Bob" Lancaster, 81, of Le Mars, died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars.

Robert Luverne Lancaster was born Dec. 7, 1929, on the family farm in Elgin Township, rural Plymouth County, the son of Middleton John and Leah Rosabelle "Rosie" (Beattie) Lancaster. Bob was baptized and confirmed at the Seney United Methodist Church.

He attended country school and later graduated from Le Mars Central High School with the Class of 1947.

As a young man, Bob worked for Wiltgen Construction Company for a couple of years.

On Aug. 27, 1950, Bob was united in marriage to Lois Peters at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Johnson Township. Bob and Lois farmed near Westfield for a few years before he began his career with Plymouth County. Bob worked for the Plymouth County Secondary Roads Department from September 1958 until his retirement after 35 years in September 1993.

During retirement Bob and Lois enjoyed taking many bus trips throughout the United States. Bob enjoyed reading; particularly about history.

He was a longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars, having ushered for more than 55 years. He was also responsible for taping of church services for more than 30 years.

He was also a longtime member of the Eagles Club and the NRA. He also served as a leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for more than 25 years. Bob volunteered and was a board member of the Plymouth County Historical Museum for several years. He and Lois also volunteered for a number of years at the Brentwood Good Samaritan Center.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lois of Le Mars; five children: Bruce Lancaster and his wife, Diane of Le Mars, Steve Lancaster and his wife, Jacky of New River, Ariz., Barry Lancaster of West Des Moines, Lisa Shunkwiler and her husband, Don of San Diego, Calif., and Todd Lancaster and his wife, Roma of Le Mars; grandchildren: Bryk (Jennifer) Lancaster, Kyja (Derek) Johnson, Kyri Lancaster (Dan Van Voorst), Jana Lancaster, Katy Lancaster, and Lindi Fine, Jake Lancaster (Ann Marie Hamel), Joe Lancaster, Drew Shunkwiler, Matt Lancaster and Zach Lancaster (Michelle Sluiter); two great-grandchildren, Graham Lancaster and Alice Swinford; a sister, Bonnie Shaw of Clarkfield, Minn.; a brother, Bill Lancaster and his wife, Leona of Springfield, Mo.; a sister-in-law, Lucille Lancaster of Kansas City, Mo.; a brother-in-law, Don Lake and his wife, Dolores of Le Mars; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Edwin (Marjorie) Lancaster, Edgar "Bun" (Marie) Lancaster, and George "Wes" Lancaster; a sister, Evelyn "Sis" (Ralph) Anderson; a brother-in-law, Dean Shaw; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Lake.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. in Le Mars. The Rev. Greg Gabriel will officiate. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memory Gardens in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be after 4 p.m. Wednesday, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., all at Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation will resume 1 hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.

Pallbearers will be Bryk Lancaster, Jake Lancaster, Matt Lancaster, Joe Lancaster, Zach Lancaster, and Drew Shunkwiler. Honorary casket bearers will be Kyja Johnson, Kyri Lancaster, Jana Lancaster, Katy Lancaster, and Lindi Fine.