Mark A. Lanman Sr.

Having been born on July 2, 1960, in Davenport, Iowa, to a pastor's family, Mark’s beginnings were founded in faith. The faith of his youth grew into lifelong pilgrimage. Being an intellectual and a scholar, Mark pursued his education with passion and purpose. He studied at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, to pursue theology, then finalized his bachelors at Northeastern University also in Chicago. He later completed his formal theological training in graduate school at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul–Minneapolis. These academic experiences laid the foundation for a life devoted to ministry both in his life and work. Mark combined professional excellence with spiritual conviction. Wherever the Lord led him, Mark faithfully followed. He was successful in whatever work capacity he found himself in. Mark made his job an extension of his calling—to live out and teach the truths of Scripture and to bring others closer to Christ.

Mark found great joy in spending time with his family, especially during family dinner talks, coffee-time with Mom, calls from Mercedes, projects with Andrew, Bible studies with Ross, laughs with Lauren, and snuggles with Augie. He was often found in his office reading and researching, or at the dining table reflecting and highlighting in his stack of books and Bibles. His time spent at the shop meeting with friends, family, and anyone in need of a spiritual word, prayer, guidance, or wisdom touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed. In Deuteronomy 6, a lifestyle that is bent towards passing the faith down to the next generation is described when it says, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” This passage defines Mark’s legacy as the patriarch of the Lanman family, continually and persistently directing interactions to know better the ways of the Lord.

Mark Andrew Lanman left this earth to behold the matchless glory of his Savior & King on July 25, 2025, at the age of 65. He is lovingly remembered by his soulmate and love of his life Alet Lanman; his daughter Mercedes Foley (Ross); his son Mark "Andrew" Lanman (Lauren); his mother, Donna Lanman; his sister DeLaine Lanman; his brother Timothy Lanman (Linda); his sister Dannel Gruber (Jesse); and his grandson Augustus "Augie" Lanman. He was preceded in death by his father, Garry Lanman.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM at Redeemer Church 5501 Windsor Road. In lieu of flowers, cards and donations to the Lanman family would be greatly appreciated to help with medical expenses. A luncheon will be served in the Student Center following the Saturday service. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.