Obituary of Donald G. Lanke

Donald G. Lanke, a resident of Kingston, passed away at Jordan Hospital on January 1, 2010 with his beloved family by his side. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Don earned his Mechanical Engineering Degree at the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh where he was also a member of the ROTC before entering the military. He proudly served with the U.S. Air Force, including several years of duty in England. Don furthered his education while in the military at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and completed his many years of dedicated service to our country with the rank of full Colonel in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. His professional career began as he worked with several large firms in the Pittsburgh area before going on to become a Managing Partner with Black & Veatch Corp. in Kansas City. Relocating to the Boston area, Don was a Vice President with Stone & Webster before his retirement several years ago. His diverse work with these firms involved the engineering of many global infrastructure development projects. Don’s positive outlook and generous spirit, both in his personal and professional life, had a lasting effect on all who knew and worked with him. He was a mentor and a friend to many, and powerful, enduring friendships were established. A man of strength, integrity and character, Don lived life to the fullest. Thoughtful and philosophical, he took great pride in our country and his patriotism knew no bounds. In all things, he led by example, living always by a motto of perseverance taken from President Calvin Coolidge: ‘Press On.’ Golf and travel were among his hobbies, but he also enjoyed a keen interest in history and was known as a history buff. In addition to his cherished wife and best friend, Nance, who was always at his side and ever in his heart, Don is survived by two sons, Dr. Bruce Lanke of Pittsburgh and Carl Lanke of Florida, as well as six grandchildren. He also leaves a brother, Glen Lanke, of FL. Don was a member of the Society of American Military Engineers; the American Society of Mechanical Engineers; the Design-Build Institute of America and the Jones River Village Historical Society, of which he was a Director. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Don are appreciated to the National Foundation for Cancer Research 4600 East West HWY, suite 525 Bethesda MD 20814 or to a charity of your choice. Don’s family is most grateful to all who cared for him in his illness. Family and friends are invited to come together in a celebration of Don’s life at the Shepherd Funeral Home at 216 Main St. in Kingston from 4-8pm om Tuesady January 5,2010 The funeral will take place at the funeral home on Wed January 6,2010 at 10am, with burial with full military honors at the Bourne National Veterans Cemetery in Bourne, MA at 12:30pm.