Wow, i just found out that its his birthday and the irony is me and my mother were thinking of how eternally thankful we are of his service. I was born with kidney issues and thanks to his dedication and passion for such field my mother never had to know the feeling of losing her son. I myself am so sad to know i was too young to acknowledge it and even get to say goodbye once he retired or even write him a letter but now that i am older i wanna thank his family. Will never forget Dr. Lankau and what he did for us. I am now 23 years old and healthy still benefiting off his hard work. I pray for the families comfort and my condolences 

Missing Dad everyday. Love to hear of his impact on the lives of others. What a special gift to bring so much light to so many. I am blessed to have gotten to call him Dad.

Dear Charles and the entire Lankau Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of the incredible man who saved my precious 7 year old daughter's life in 1975. She was suffering from an intestinal emergency which could have killed her. Dr. Lankau was so kind and thorough explaining the surgery and brilliantly creative in executing it. He showed true and sincere compassion towards my daughter and even a warm sense of humor post-op. She is now a healthy 48 year old mother of 2 teenage girls who wouldn't exist if Dr. Lankau hadn't saved her.  Charles, Although I was very sad to learn of your Dad's passing, it was truly a delight speaking with you yesterday. Thank you so much. Ann Hamilton, Melbourne, Florida

Dr Lankau was an inspiration to everyone. He was a guiding force at MCH and I will always remember him as a mentor and champion for children.

Our family owes a debt of gratitude for Dr. Lankau's successful repair of a near-fatal kidney defect on our infant son at the age of only 4 weeks at Miami Children's Hospital. A second surgery was necessary a year later, and that was also a success. Our hearts go out to the family; we say a blessing for Dr. Lankau every year on our son's birthday. He will be 30 in September this year.

Dr. Lankau operated on me when I was just months old. He saved my life twice. First, he fixed a kidney issue I had where the tubes crossed over. Then, he helped to fix a leak that was occurring in my kidneys. He is an incredible man. He will be missed.

Sorry for your lost dr lankau was a great boss at Miami children's  in 1990. I'll miss him lisa

Dr. Lankau operated on me 1st back in 1992 when I was 6. He was suppose to go in and place a stint in my kidney to get it to function better-but being the magnificent surgeon he was- he realized that it was just a mass making me deathly ill and he removed it! He explained to me and my parents everything in such a sweet way! Then again in 1998 he removed my appendix which he said "burst in his hands" as soon as he removed it safely away from my open body! Oh my and here I am at the age of 28 with a healthy kidney transplant and living a fulfilling life! Thank God for placing the gentle loving soul and hands of Dr. Lankau in my life! May he rest in eternal peace.

Dear Fran.  My son, Jamie, just told me that Charles had died and I am devastated.  Charles, you and his loving mom (Aunt Margaret) never knew how much you meant to me and how the three of you were so important in my life. Watching you and Charles and all the love you had for each other and anyone around you was truly inspirational for me. Most of us go through life without realizing how we 'touch' others and often change their lives and give them hope from the example they set.  All my love and prayers to you and yours.  Karen (Overmeyer) Titus

Dr. Lankau operated on my 8 mth old son , 18 years ago. He was in my mind late last year, and I only now decided to google his name , to find him . I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a fine , honorable man.  His expertise in such a delicate surgery was immeasurable for us. He tried to make it affordable for which we will always be grateful. He was truly a special man.

Just lighting a candle, as it has been a month since Dad has  passed. We are all missing him terribly and thank everyone for their kind wishes and thoughts.

All my thoughts and love to the entire Lankau family.
David Blackstone

To the Lankau family
Dr Lankau was one of a kind  He not only was a great and dedicated MD but a nice person as well  He was one of my favorite MD's in my 36 yrs as a nurse at MCH and Baptist Hospital.  One of the best there was is now in his eternal home

Dear Fran,
Ruthann and I are so sorry about Charles passing and we were so lucky to have gone to school with him and be part of his life. His memory will always be with us and the times we had together. God gives certain people gifts to help others he was one of those people.  We all have gained from him .
Love Ruthann and Pete

I will always consider myself honoured to have been acquainted with the Lankau family. In fact, Paul Lankau was my gym teacher in elementary school. A class act, for sure. God bless him and his family. I never knew Charles, but I would have wished I did.  Tim Schindlin, Valley Cottage, NY

Dear Paul, Bob and the rest of the Lankau family...

Carol and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy for the loss of Charles.  You'll find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and in the loving arms of our Lord. 

Sincerely,
Al and Carol Cann

God's love for mankind guarantees that evil and suffering will end. Those who demonstrate that they believe this will enjoy life on earth forever.—Read John 3:16.

Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time.  May the legacy of Dr. Lankau's life and accomplishments bring you peace.  May God bring you loving support and lasting comfort.  (Psalm 146:5, 9)

To the Lankau family, 
    My name is Nancy Lankau Nielsen, a cousin of Charles. My dad was Walter Lankau. My sincere sympathy to all the family on the loss of Charles whom we affectionately called "cookie" as young children. I remember playing with all the Lankau cousins at uncle Charlie and aunt Margaret's house in Nanuet and in Sag Harbor. My thoughts are with the Lankau family.

Dear Fran,  I was devastated to hear the news.  Lisa called  Deb,  thank God and bless her heart.  My heart is very heavy for the family.  Prayers and thoughts are in my heart for you every day.  Love. Sandy George

Dear Fran and family, my heart is heavy for you that have lost your husband and father.  May you rest in peace Charles (Cookie) Lankau...you have touched many people and left many fond memories with those here.  I can still see us taking Drivers Ed together and all the fun and laughs we had during that class and CCD classes.  

God looked around His garden and found an empty place.  He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.  He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.  God's garden must be beautiful He always takes the best.  He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed your weary eyelids and whispered, "Peace be thine."  It broke your hearts to lose him but he didn't go alone, for part of you went with him the day God called him home. 

My love and Prayers to you Fran and your family.  Kathy Kelly Cogan

Dear Fran and family,

So sorry to hear of your loss.  Although we were never "close friends", and I last saw you at our 50th class reunion in 2006, I still remember you and Charlie as really nice classmates.  He certainly was a very accomplished man and I'm sure was highly regarded in his chosen profession.  My deepest sympathies to all of you.   

Most sincerely,  Judy Hamblin
 (2009 Kiser Dr., Valrico, FL 33594)

Dear Fran, Lisa, Charles and Stephen,
We are crushed to hear this news.  We will remember him lovingly for the wonderful man he was, and the love, grace and caring he showed to all.  He was a giant among men, and truly was one of a kind.  He will be missed terribly. We send you our love and prayers.  The Lafontant, Kagan, Tyrrell and Mears families.

OBITUARY

Charles A. Lankau

September 24, 1938 – December 7, 2013

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc.

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