Albert J. Lanz

MANITOWISH WATERS / MIDDLETON - Albert “Ike” Lanz, age 95, passed away on September 25, 2025, at Attic Angels in Middleton, WI, where he had resided for the past two years in the Bryant Ridge Apartments. Born on November 13, 1929, to Arthur and Hazel (Carr) Lanz, Ike was the youngest of four children. He grew up in Madison and Middleton and graduated from Middleton High School, where he excelled as an athlete. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart, Juanita Bell, whom he later married.

Both Ike and Juanita attended UW-Platteville, where they earned bachelor’s degrees in education. Ike continued his studies at UW-Stout, earning a master’s degree, and also served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his service, Ike returned to his alma mater, Middleton High School, where he devoted most of his career to teaching industrial arts. Through his guidance, countless students discovered not only practical skills, but also confidence, creativity, and pride in their work. He retired in 1984.

Ike and Juanita were married on December 29, 1951, and shared 64 wonderful years together before Juanita’s passing in 2016. Together, they raised three daughters-Kristi, Darcy, and Lisa-on the shores of Spring Harbor on Lake Mendota in Madison, WI. After retirement, Ike and Juanita settled permanently at their dream home on beautiful Papoose Lake in Manitowish Waters, a home they had lovingly built together in the late 1970s. The lake home remains in the family, where it will continue to bring joy for generations to come.

Ike had many passions throughout his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, often traveling to Canada with friends and family. In his younger years, he was a ski jumper, competing not only in the United States but also in Germany during his military service. During retirement, Ike and Juanita embraced the outdoors of the Northwoods-downhill and cross-country skiing, biking, water-skiing, and canoeing.  For several years, Ike also groomed the local ski trail in Manitowish Waters for their group of outdoor adventurers.

A lifelong competitor at heart, Ike loved playing games, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and both playing and watching golf. He and Juanita also enjoyed wintering in Texas and Arizona, where Ike could indulge in his favorite sport year-round. Above all, Ike cherished sharing his Northwoods home with his family. Summers and winters alike were filled with laughter, adventures, and lasting memories created at the lake. His presence will be deeply missed.

Ike is survived by his daughters, Kristi Peiss (Joseph) of Cross Plains, WI, Darcy Lanz-Sage (Scott Sage) of Manitowish Waters, WI, and Lisa Detert (Jon) of New Berlin, WI. He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Boppa”, Niki Hagen (Mark), Kati Boland (Mike), Andrew Peiss, Emily Bertagnoli (Tony), Jamie Ziegler (Dain), Dane Detert, Evan Detert, and Ben Detert; as well as great-grandchildren, Cole and Halli Hagen, Henry Boland, Owen and Wrenly Bertagnoli, and Nora and Zuri Ziegler. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita; his parents, Arthur and Hazel; his sisters, Betty Slama and Doris Turner; his brother, Bob Lanz; his in-laws, Ivan and Claire Bell; and his sisters-in-law, Sandra, Karen, and Lila.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Lisa Coster, an adopted grandchild of sorts - for the dedicated support, care, and companionship she shared with Ike during his time at Attic Angels. He deeply valued the hours spent talking, playing games, and simply being together. The family is also grateful to the staff of Agrace Hospice and Attic Angels for their compassionate and skilled care.

In keeping with Ike’s wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charities of the family’s choice, including the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Juanita.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761