William R. Lantta

APPLETON, Wis. - William R. Lantta, 84, of Appleton, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton.

He was born on Aug. 20, 1929, in Bessemer, Mich., son of the late William and Tynne (Mickelson) Lantta. He graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1947.

On Jan. 20, 1951, he married June Frederickson.

After serving in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, Bill attended Gogebic Junior College in Ironwood, Mich., before graduating with honors from University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he was a member of Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society.

After graduation, Bill accepted a teaching position in the Freedom, Wis., school district, where he taught for 32 1/2 years until his retirement in 1990.

In his retirement, Bill enjoyed his grandchildren and spending summers at the family cottage on Chaney Lake. Bill was an excellent woodworker and his family will cherish all the beautiful pieces of furniture he has made over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, June; his son, Gary (Jill) Lantta, of Austin, Texas; his daughter, LeeAnn (Gary) Spoehr, of Appleton; and four grandchildren, Laura (Tyler) Gibson, Sophie (fiancé Tyler Herr) Lantta, Anna (special friend Kate) Spoehr and Gray Lantta. Bill is also survived by a sister, Elaine (Walter) Beardslee, of Traverse City, Mich .; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ruth (Ken) Turner; and stepmother, Ina Lantta.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Zion Lutheran Church, 912 N. Oneida St., Appleton. The Rev. Lloyd Luedeman will be officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Zion Lutheran Church or St. Vincent de Paul are appreciated.

Online condolences can be offered at wichmannfargo.com.

Special thanks go to all the staff at Cherry Meadows for your kindness and caring of Bill.

Arrangements are by Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton WI 54911, 920-739-1231.