John William Lander

Former Rawlins resident John W Lander passed away Monday, April 30 at Aspen Ridge Alzheimer's Care Center in Grand Junction, CO where he had resided for the past 19 months. He was born Nov. 12, 1927 in Rawlins, WY to John and Sadie Lander.  He graduated from Rawlings High School in 1945. He served in the Navy twice, in 1945 and again in 1951 when he served in the Korean War aboard the USS Iowa.  He married Jeanne Lehman in 1951 and to that union was born two children, Debra (lander) Dirst and Jeffrey (Lander) Frolander.  He was a man of many talents and interest.  He was a master carpenter and worked as a fireman for the Union Pacific Railroad.  In 1966 he graduated with honors from Iowa State University with an engineering degree.  He then went to work for LM Olson Construction in Rawlins.  He was very civic minded and was a member of the Rawlins Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, he served on the vestry of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, was a member of the Korein Shriners in Rawlins and served as Potentate in 1984. He was a past president of the Wyoming Contractors, a member of the VFW, Elks Lodge, and the former Vasa Star Lodge where he served as president.  In 1980, Jeanne and he built a cabin in beautiful Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming with Nora and Hugh Simmons and Mary and Louie Engstrom. After becoming sole owners of the cabin and upon retirement the couple spent their time between Star Valley Ranch,  and Mesa, AZ where they had the best of both worlds. He served on various committees in both places.  His interest varied including woodworking, technical mountain climbing, dancing, and golfing.  His greatest love was for his family and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Sister Marian, wife Jeanne, son Jeff and grandson Randy. He is survived by his daughter Deb and son-in-law Marty Dirst of Grand Junction, CO; daughter-in-law Angel Frolander of Mesa, AZ; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren, 2 nieces; 3 nephews, and several relatives in Sweden where he was fondly referred to as Super Swede! A celebration of life will be held later this summer at Star Valley Ranch WY. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital, Hope west in Grand Junction, CO or the Alzheimer's Association. Dad kept his sweet disposition and helping manner to the very end and will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John William Lander, please visit our floral store.