Roland Lanz

He was a proud Swiss-Texan. He was born in the small town of Munsingen, Switzerland, Canton of Bern.

Son of a Farmer with four siblings. As a child, Roland always looked to the sky and was fascinated with airplanes. He had high hopes of one day owning his own airplane. He studied Baking, Pastry, and Candy making in professional school in Switzerland. He graduated with two masters as a Master Pastry Chef and Baker.

Roland had big dreams of travel and once he graduated, he sent job applications all over the world to find employment overseas. One day he received a letter from Swiss Baker, Hans Huwyler in Houston, Texas. Roland had recently met a beautiful young lady in Bumplitz, outside of Bern and she also had dreams of traveling overseas. So at the young age of 20 and 23, they decided to marry and head to Texas!

The couple thrived in Houston and had several Swiss friends that also immigrated to Houston and helped each other navigate the changes of America. They were all budding entrepreneurs and the best was yet to come.

Less than four years working in Houston, Roland opened his first Bakery in 1962. He purchased the Borrell Bakery for $6000 and changed the name to Roland’s Swiss Pastry. Roland was not going to compromise his Swiss skills and make America pastries. He made delicious pastry and European breads that were new to Houston. He was very proud and would often say, “ I trained the Houstonians to like European breads and cakes”.

However, handmade pizza shells is what paid the bills in the early beginnings. Lotti would deliver pizza shells and one day almost delivered a baby instead. Luckily they made it to the hospital in time for baby Sylvia to arrive.

Roland’s Bakery soon became very popular and he had to move to a larger location in the River Oaks area. He made quite a name for himself and soon landed a five year contract with the Houston Astrodome. He and Lotti, and the staff would have to make 1500 fresh strawberry tarts for every game day. The Astrodome connection set him up for his biggest and we are talkin BIG baking accomplishments. He was asked to make two enormous cakes for Muhammed Ali ( 1967 ) and Willie Mayes (1968 ). These cakes were featured in newspapers all over the world!! Roland even received a letter from his Brother in Switzerland with a copy of the Swiss Newspaper of photos of Roland’s big cake. Roland was Mister Worldwide before it was a thing!

The Bakery grew in size and popularity. It had a wonderful tea room that was quite the hang out for Europeans and American alike. Roland’s was the place to be for the best Cappuccino with fresh whipped cream and Café au Lait before coffee shops were a thing. His most famous treats by far were his Black Forest Cake and Rye bread. There were also so many true European specialties that could only be found at Roland’s , bringing a little bit of Europe to Texas.

There was one more pride and joy for Roland and that was his beautiful and faithful Daughter, Sylvia. They went fishing together and never missed an Ice Hockey Game with their season tickets. She fondly remembers how they would speed home from the game in his Blue MGB and then cook eggs with chili once at home for a late night snack. Sylvia was always at the bakery from a young age and learned what hard work was and had an entrepreneur spirit like her Dad.

Roland’s dream of flying came to fruition and he purchased his first airplane in 1969 . He loved to fly and would often fly to Matagorda Bay and fish. Sometimes he even landed on the beach in the sand instead of the runway, Sylvia recalls. Those were some good times.

Later in 1982 the stress of the bakery ended his marriage with Lotti, but not their friendship. Lotti continued to help Roland in his second Bakery in Katy for years to come. Happily they spent the last two years of Lotti’s life together where he drove her a little crazy, but she admitted it was nice to have him around.

These two young adults were together from the beginning to the end, coming to a different Country and barely speaking the language. Opening a successful business and helping others along the way. They both became Proud American citizens. Sylvia would help her parents study for the test and was super proud to attend the ceremony. A true American Dream.

In 1984, Roland met Alicia Farfan from Peru. They had a long and fun life together. Roland found his person to travel and fly with. Their friendship lasted 40 years and happily they were together in 2022 when Alicia was visiting from Hawaii where she retired. Roland always had the biggest smile when Alicia was around. Alicia’s son Jean Paul was like a son to Roland and he, the only Father figure Jean Paul had.

Roland helped many people throughout his life personally and professionally. He was loved by all and was always fun to be around.

He had deep passions for Jazz, Dogs, Ice Hockey, Nasa, Fishing, Flying, and of course Baking. He loved roses and the Yellow Rose of Texas! The yellow rose was his favorite to give to his daughter. He played in a Jazz band in Switzerland with his best friend and fellow baker, Kurt Kleyhons. He also had his best friend and flying buddy, Hermann Stocker. The Stocker and The Kleyhons families became part of the Lanz family. They were all always there for each other.

In 1992 Roland sold his successful bakery to Gerhart & Elvira Schaefer, a young German couple with lots of bakery and hospitality knowledge. Roland then opened The Gingerhouse Bakery in Katy, Texas to continue his Gingerbread Hansel & Gretal House business. His Gingerhouse business grew and provided Houses to stores and cooking schools all over Texas.

Roland is survived by his daughter Sylvia Lanz Snell ( husband Ben ) , Houston. His brother Willie Lanz, his sister Vreni Lanz Bronnimann, several nieces and nephews, all of Switzerland.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oskar and Ida Lanz , his brother Peter Lanz, his sister, Rosemarie Lanz Schwarz , and his ex wife, Lotti Lanz Fuessel.

Roland will be missed terribly and Houston will be a little less sweet.

Volare Dad!

Italian, meaning to Fly!

A celebration of life for Roland will be held Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home followed by the inurnment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Escorting Roland to his final resting place will be David Diehl, Gerhard Schaefer, Roy Stocker, and Jean Paul Williard.