An avid Cardinal fan, Jean’s love of sports from childhood kept her busy through the years attending the many baseball, softball, football, basketball, soccer and volley ball games of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed the beauty of nature that surrounded her when vacationing at Lake of the Ozarks and in Naples, Florida, spending time in both locations for many years.
Jean was the devoted wife of Wayne Lanter, founder and CEO of Lanter Company until his death in 1998; and, she is preceeded in death by Thomas Kirn to whom she was married for twelve years until his death in 2013. She was also preceeded in death by her parents, Gustav and Jean, nee Wuebbels, Pflugmacher.
Surviving are her children, Kim (Kent) Friedman of Naples, FL;
Sheri (Gary) Strauss of Chesterfield, MO,
Steve (Emily) Lanter of Clayton, MO,
Jeff (Marcy) Lanter of Belleville, IL,
Stacie (Rupert) Foreman of Glendale, MO,
Rebecca (Doug) Kirn of Denver, CO,
Bruce Kirn of Belleville, IL,
Rick (Jan) Kirn of Troy, MO,
and Kevin (Esther) Kirn of Jupiter, FL;
22 grandchildren, Erin (Wade) Civey, Brad Stremsterfer,
Todd (Jocelyn) Stremsterfer, Kevin (Katie) Stremsterfer,
Katy (David) Miller, Karen (Peter) Seligman,
Caitie Lanter, Bo Lanter, Maggie Lanter,
Theadora Lanter, Matt (Katie) Drengwitz,
Lee Strauss, GJ Strauss, Patrick Lanter, Blake Lanter,
Tierney Lanter, Meghan Royer, Mallie Royer,
Jazarae (Eddie) McCormick, Phillip (Lindsay) Kirn,
David Kirn, and John Kirn;
10 great-grandchildren, Grace, Ava, Lizzie, Bella,
Landry, Luke, Ben,
Claire, Lyra, and Teddy;
with two more awaiting birth who will miss Grandma Jean’s amazing smile;
and two brothers, Gus Pflugmacher
and Wayne Pflugmacher
The family requests memorials to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015, at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL.
Funeral: Jean’s funeral will be at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL, on Thursday, January 15, 2015 for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, with Fr. James Deiters officiating. Interment will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Jean Lanter Kirn
I remember this beautiful lady and Wayne welcoming us into their beautiful home at Christmas time. I remember her to be loving and warm to everyone. My sympathy to her awesome children and family!
Theresa Nonn Johns, Granite City, IL, 62040
Thoughts and prayers to all the family. I am in agreement with Theresa, Christmas time at the Lanter home so warm and welcoming.
Patricia E. Gowdy, Affton, MO, 63123
MAY HER SOUL, AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED REST IN PEACE. AMEN
JAMES P. OWENS, Twin Oaks MO, MO, 63021
I will always remember your Mom’s/Grandma’s wonderful smile and great sense of fun. For so many years when we were kids, our families did so much together…vacations, pool parties…so many happy memories! I was an overweight, non-athletic, gay kid (definitely not a Lanter!) and Mrs Lanter (Kirn) always made me feel like I belonged. I hope she’s having a wonderful time making everyone smile in Heaven.
Rob Dauber, New York, NY, 10001
My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Sak, Collinsville, IL, 62234
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Jean’s family members.
It was my pleasure to know and work for Jean the last few years.
She was truly a special, wonderful person.
May she Rest In Peace.
Maurice J Weilbacher, St. Louis, Missouri, 63312
We were so sorry to hear about your mom, Steve. She was such a nice person and so caring.
Our prayers are with you and your family in this sad time.
I am disappointed not to see Jane’s name listed as she was part of the Lanter family for many years.
Cheryl Weiss
Cheryl Salem Weiss, Belleville, Illinois, 62223
Kim,Sherry,Steve,Jeff&Stacey,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother. She was one passionate woman who’ll never be over 25 years old in my mind. She no doubt left her imprint on my life; and for that I am forever greatful. She loved people by what they felt in their hearts; and I truly believe she knew people’s hearts. She was the star of the fall style shows; she became the coach we admired and wanted to play for because 100% was not enough. Her eyes would dance when she was happy and her smile was as beautiful as it was infectious. Her inner beauty was paramount to her striking good looks. She could make a NEHI bottle of orange (or strawberry) soda look like it was worth a million bucks. But what I will always remember most was that she could always get/squeeze/bamboozle that extra mile from you. . . you see, Jean was an angel with the God given ability to instill that extra dose of faith in you anytime she was in contact with you. She could convince anyone to do things we didn’t dream possible.
God Be With Jean Lanter Kirn
Thank you for everything from everyone.
Kate (Hund) Engen
Kate (Hund) Engen, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402
Our sincere condolences to Steve, Jeff and the rest of the Lanter family.
Charles & Terri Finke, Edwardsville, Il, 62025
May you know the peace and comfort, this heartfelt thought imparts.
The ones we love are never gone,
they live within our hearts.
With deepest sympathy, from Rich and Gina Baltz
Rich and Gina Baltz, Lees Summit, Mo, 64082
I was saddened to learn of Jean’s passing. I have many good memories of her from my childhood days growing up with Stacie in Chenot Place. We shared many good tImes at the Lanter home,swinging on the tire swing in the backyard, and playing football in the open lot next door. Jean was always welcoming and made sure we didn’t get into too much mischief. May your family be surrounded with love and feel the embrace of Christ’s peace as you mourn. May your hearts be lifted up as you celebrate her life. Sincerely, Colin Grove (Briana and Lauren Grove).
Colin Grove and Family, Madison, WI, 53593