Willis Lano, 87

Willis “Bill” F. Lano, 87, Alexandria, formerly of Long Prairie, died September 18, 2009.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, September 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating and burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Long Prairie. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Willis was born March 24, 1922 at Long Prairie to I.F. “Neats” and Julia (Peterson) Lano. He graduated from high school in Long Prairie and attended the University of Minnesota and later joined the National Guard. He eventually enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was injured and was awarded a Purple Heart.

He was married to Donna Hoffarth. After returning to Long Prairie, he became a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, a position he held until retiring in 1978. He later moved to Alexandria. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Alexandria, the Long Prairie V.F.W., and the Roughriders Snowmobile Club in Alexandria. He was an avid big game hunter, liked to fish and play golf, and was interested in sports cars, photography and jazz music.

Bill is survived by his children, Paul (Joyce) Lano, Twain Harte of California, and Laura (Mike) Lano-Anastasia of Loretto; two grandchildren, Danielle and Nicholas Anastasia; and two step-grandchildren, Mark and Daniel Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Rosemarie Lano and Lorna Fortwengler.

Casket bearers will be Paul Lano, Mike Anastasia, Pete Anastasia, Ralph Anastasia and Jack Lano. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria.

Obituary, guest book, and picture tribute may be found online at www.williamsdingmann.com.

Arrangements are with Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home - Stein Chapel, Long Prairie.

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