Sandra Lanser

Sandra Lanser of Port Washington passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her devoted children on Friday, March 7, 2025.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Eddie, in 2014, after 59 wonderful years of marriage, raising nine children together.

Sandy was born on May 4, 1935, to Al and Joanna (nee Grotelueschen) Watry in Port Washington. She was a cherished daughter and a lifelong member of the Port Washington community.

Sandy attended local schools and graduated from Port Washington High School in 1953. She remained connected to her classmates, helped to organize annual class reunions and was delighted to attend her 71st last fall.

Sandy was most proud of her children and all they have achieved. She dedicated her life to raising her family and led many of the group activities her kids were involved in while growing up.

A gifted artist, she created countless beautiful paintings, Christmas ornaments and wooden art pieces that will always be cherished.

Sandy and Eddie spent their early years camping with their kids throughout Wisconsin and across the country, visiting numerous state and national parks on multiweek trips. They later built a cabin on Cosgrove Lake in Florence County, where they enjoyed many summers with their family. Sandy will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren for helping them learn to swim, and that grandma swam across the lake every year!

Sandy and Eddie were founding members of St. Peter of Alcantara Parish in Port Washington and members of St. Mary’s Parish in Florence, Wis. Sandy was very active in both the church and the community. She served on the St. Peter Parish Council, volunteered at church fish fries, organized bake sales, cooked for the St. Ben’s Community Meal Program and helped with the Port Washington Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels.

She was especially proud of teaching swimming for the Special Olympics later in her life. For many years, Sandy was the captain of the $100 Club Relay for Life team, raising thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society. Sandy’s caring heart, generous spirit and commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on many people. She will be deeply missed. 

Sandy is survived by her nine children, Mike (Lori) Lanser of Sheboygan, Mark (Pat) Lanser of Janesville, John (Jan) Lanser of Port Washington, Judy Exley of Mequon, Barb Lanser of Madison, Beth (Gregg) Ronczkowski of Atlanta, Ga., Mary Ann (Mark) Klingbeil of New Berlin, Karen (Mark Haas) Lanser of Grafton and Kevin (Jean Gittleson) Lanser of Port Washington.

She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren, Andy, James, Crystal, Amy, Adam, Alex, Johnny, Abby, Robert, Olivia, Grace, Nick, Claire, Nicole, Kevin, Anna, Catherine, Erik and Evan, as well as 25 great-grandchildren.

Further survivors of Sandy include her siblings Mary Sauer of Port Washington, Paula Watry of Shorewood and Bob Watry of Lake Geneva and her sisters-in-law Joan Lanser of Hubertus and Betty Lanser of Port Washington. 

In addition to her husband Eddie, Sandy was preceded in death by her grandson Jackson, son-in-law Wil Exley and siblings Joann Buivid and Tom Watry, along with many other in-laws, relatives and friends. 

Funeral services for Sandy will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at St John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington. Visitation will take place at the church from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 6 p.m. Father Patrick Wendt will preside over the Mass.

Sandy will be laid to rest next to her husband Eddie at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, the Port Washington Food Pantry or the American Cancer Society of Wisconsin. 

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Scot Wilfong for the excellent care and kindness he has shown to Sandy over the years. We also want to thank Amy Mutchelknaus, Prime Horizon and Aurora Home Hospice for the compassionate care they provided.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Lanser family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.