August 12, 1946 – October 10, 2019
Lanny Eller, age 73, passed away October 10, 2019 in Colorado Springs. He was born August 12, 1946 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Joshua and Maxine Eller. Upon graduating from Fedora High School in Fedora, South Dakota, he joined the military and served in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. His career took him to Utah, California, Nebraska, Germany, Nevada, North Dakota, and Greece before becoming a resident of Colorado Springs in 1990.
Lanny retired from the United States Air Force after 25 years and worked another 21 years in the Civil Service as an electrician, primarily at Peterson Air Force Base.
He was a member of various Veterans organizations including TREA, VFW and American Legion. He loved to travel, was an avid bowler, and collector of many assorted “treasures”. He was also a huge Minnesota Vikings fan.
Lanny is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry, who he married on July 11, 1970 in Reno, Nevada. He is also survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Wendy Price (Michael), Pam Worden (Chris), Ginny Halvorson (Chris), and Becky Coleman (Bryant) as well as his loving grandchildren, Megan, Derrion, Matt, Sami, Brianna, Elizabeth, Brooke, Rachael, and Savannah.
He
was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rodney; and his sister,
Sidney Uptagrafft.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd. Burial with military honors will be at Pikes Peak National Cemetery Monday, October 21, 2019 at 3 pm.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Lanny’s memory to: Pikes Peak Humane Society Lanny will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Rob & Sandy Williams
15 Oct 2019Rob & I are so sorry for your loss. We pray for peace at this difficult time. The family is in our thoughts & prayers. We are here if you need anything.
Steve Sullivan
16 Oct 2019Jessica and I are extremely sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rhonda Gershmel
16 Oct 2019Bruce and I are very sorry for your loss. Lanny was a wonderful guy. You are in our thoughts.
Eileen & Donnie Cox
17 Oct 2019Donnie and I offer our condolences to the Eller Family on the loss of such a fun guy. RIP my Viking Fan! Always enjoyed our ‘rivalry’.
Diane & Dave Conner
17 Oct 2019We will always remember seeing Lanny at Wendy and Mike’s house for the many family functions that we were invited to. Rest in peace. Know that we are here if you need anything neighbors.
Don Hook
17 Oct 2019So sorry to hear about the loss of a great boss, human being and friend. He will be dearly missed.
Anonymous
17 Oct 2019We remember Sid talking about her brother Lanny. May God surround you with His love and give you peace and comfort in the days and weeks ahead. We will be thinking of you.
Dobry
17 Oct 2019I personally did not know Lanny but my thoughts are with the family. I hope you can find comfort where I too have found in the past, 2 Cor. 1:4 “Who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trail with the comfort that we receive from God.”
CMSgt William Arcuri
17 Oct 2019So sad to hear of the loss of Lanny. I knew him in Peterson, and ran into him again a few years later at a TREA conference. He never stopped serving his country and his fellow Airmen. He will be missed.
Penny Miller
17 Oct 2019So sad to hear of your loss. Edward and I send our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Joel Wright
17 Oct 2019I worked with Lanny for about five years. He was a good man who served his country well. He will be missed!!!
Jason Sellers
18 Oct 2019Lanny my friend, you will be missed. It was a pleasure knowing you and working with you. Thank you for all that you taught me as a young airman. I pray the Lord will comfort your beautiful family and that you may Rest In Peace. God Bless.
Jonathan and Denice Yates
18 Oct 2019May the peace of God, who surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts as you process through this time. Remembering Lanny will always be a happy, smile filled memory of laughter and playfulness. We love you and hope that his years with us helps us as we carry on our own race to glory.
Audrey (Page) Pierson
18 Oct 2019So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you Sherry and your family.
Leslie Sheley
19 Oct 2019I just want you to know I am so sorry for your loss. I know I don’t have the words to make it better or to really say what I would like to express. Sending love, hugs and prayers.
Tory and Colby Hoefar
21 Oct 2019Tory and I send our condolences to the Eller family. We pray for your comfort and solace at this time. Lanny is such a great guy! A true patriot, dedicating his life to his service to our country, both in and out of uniform. I enjoyed working with him at Peterson. He had a crusty shell, but the inside was pure passion for getting things done right, growing airmen, and making a difference. We loved to laugh and poke fun at each other, something he loved to do more than anything. Thank you Lanny, for your service, for your dedication, and the impact you had on all of those airmen you mentored. Godspeed.
Lee VanDongen
21 Oct 2019Hello Wendy. There are no words I have that can take the pain away from you and your family during this time, all I can offer you is my deepest heart felt condolences and the love of our family to yours.
With the greatest respect Lee Van Dongen and Family.
David Anderson
21 Oct 2019I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Lanny always brought a smile and a friendly lesson when needed. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diana Owen
21 Oct 2019To Sherry and the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Lanny was quite a guy, quite a character, he made me laugh. I so enjoyed the years of bowling with you on the CE League. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Schlichter
25 Oct 2019Our sympathies to Sherry and family. Lanny will be missed. We always looked forward bowling with all of you. May he Rest Peacefully.