Charles E. Lanzrath

Charles E. Lanzrath, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 28, 2021, while on vacation at Beaver Lake (AR). Charlie was born in Wichita, KS on November 23, 1949, son of Duane and Rosemarie (Faber) Lanzrath.

Charlie attended St. Patrick Grade School, Bishop Carroll High School and graduated from Wichita State University. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. Charlie was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion Post #2. Charlie worked for Santa Fe Railroad, Central Kansas Railroad and retired from Westar Energy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Betty (Elizabeth) Lanzrath of Newton, daughters Jill (Slade) Engstrom, Benton, KS; Nancy Lanzrath, Lihue, HI, and Kelsey (Trey) Cleaveland, Wichita, KS; four grandchildren who know him as Bobo, Tessa, Teagan, Michael and Saylor; exchange student/daughter Tami Gongora, São Paulo, Brazil; brother Donald (Sandie) Lanzrath, Newton, sisters Beverly Klag, Mary Lou (Tom) Beskett, Andover and Virginia (Tom) Zackula, Wichita,  and numerous nieces and nephews.  Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth.

He loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. He could fix most anything and was skilled at moving furniture; learning it as a child with his dad and brothers.  He was an expert storyteller and driving instructor. He loved finding people the perfect gift to fit their personalities. Garage and estate sales were all about the thrill of the hunt. He loved fishing and hunting or any adventure as long as you were willing to wake up before sunrise to get a head start. He could find common ground with anyone.

The Rosary Vigil will be celebrated at 6 pm Thursday, June 3, 2021, and the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am on Friday, June 4, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Newton, KS. Services arranged by Petersen Funeral Home, Newton, KS. Services will be available to be viewed online.

Memorials can be made in Charlie’s name to Kansas Honor Flight by mail to Petersen’s Funeral Home or online, KansasHonorFlight.org.  Please list memorial in honor of Charles Lanzrath.