Betty Lou (Schlotterbeck) Lanser, 95, of Elkhart Lake, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2022,
just days after celebrating her birthday. She was so proud to have become the longest living
relative in her family.
Betty Lou was born on May 16, 1927, a daughter of the late Arthur Jacob and Ida (Gerhard)
Raeder.
She attended school in Elkhart Lake for her elementary years, but due to a family move to
Plymouth, started at Plymouth High School in her freshman year. Although graduating from
Plymouth High School in 1946, Betty Lou always considered herself a “Resorter” and was so
thrilled to be included in the Elkhart Lake Alumni events and luncheons.
Elkhart Lake was a very special and important place to Betty Lou. She was a “local historian”
and loved to share EL’s history. The stories she could tell and the knowledge she knew was
endless.
On September 13, 1952, Betty Lou married William H. Schlotterbeck, and worked with him in
his bookkeeping business until his death in September 1980. At that time, she went to work for
many years at Rocky Knoll in the kitchen. She liked her job, but even more, she thoroughly
enjoyed the life-long friends she made there and the monthly “card clubs” they held. She was
so excited when she came home a big winner — sometimes over 100 pennies!
On April 15, 1985, she married Arnold (Arnie) John Lanser, but only after first getting
permission from his 5 children who were very happy give their approval. Arnie and Betty Lou
enjoyed their 13 years together in EL spending much time with family and friends. They were
well-known for “hoisting the beer mug flag” on Saturday afternoons which was a signal to the
neighbors that work was to be stopped as the “relaxation” was to begin in the back yard they
shared with Larry and Joan Buechel, life-long friends. Arnie passed away on June 18, 1998.
Betty Lou was a member of the Community United Church of Christ in Elkhart Lake and a
member of the Evening Circle and Ladies Aid. Betty also had belonged to various card clubs and
had been a long-time member of the Weber’s Bowling Team.
Betty Lou loved to be active and never said no to an invitation. She believed staying active and
involved, having a positive attitude (demonstrated by her ready smile and quick wit), helping
others, being appreciative each day for whatever you had in life and having a deep faith kept
her going strong. She also was adamant that having a few beers a day for many years while
socializing with family and friends had definitely contributed to her longevity.
Betty Lou enjoyed bowling, golfing, card playing, puzzles (jigsaw and word), crocheting, reading,
crafting and gardening. Spending time with others was a priority and in their widowed years,
she and her dear friend, Joanie Buechel, traveled extensively—both domestically and
internationally. Oh, the stories with which they’d come home! She enjoyed her “Red Hat”
outings and luncheons; time spent up north with Arnie and his family at the cabin or at an area
casino, and the numerous Raeder family gatherings, with special favorites being the annual Fish
Fry prepared by nephew Tom or gatherings at Todd and Kathy’s condo at Point Elkhart. Getting
letters, cards, calls and visits from her family and friends always brought a smile to her face and
were very much appreciated. In later years, much time was spent going on “field trips” with
Ann and Tim, which always included a stop for an ice cream or some type of sweet treat! Betty
Lou loved her desserts and candy!
In November, 2021, Betty Lou was so happy to sell her long-time home to her niece Becky and
husband, Scott, when she moved to Cedar Bay Assisted Living. Betty Lou absolutely loved her
“new home” and made sure to take advantage of every opportunity. If something was
happening, Betty Lou was there. She said she didn’t move there to sit in her room, and she
certainly proved this each day! She made many new friends among the staff and residents and
many special memories. One of which she was most proud was telling about her winning a
Silver Medal in the Cedar Bay Winter Olympics for “running” and then she would smile, as she
admitted there were only a few eligible participants. This medal was prominently displayed in
her living room.
Betty Lou is survived by her stepchildren: Donald (Lydia) Lanser of Littleton, NC; James (Karen)
Lanser, of Plymouth, WI; Janis (Mike) Holdridge, Sherwood, WI; and Dale Lanser, Elkhart Lake,
WI; 12 grandchildren: Lisa, Lora, Shawn, Stacy, Weston, Shannon, Libbe, Krystal, Eric, Todd,
Jennifer, and Kristin, and their families; Sisters-in-Law Dolores Raeder, Sheboygan, WI and Sue
Raeder, St. Charles, IL and nieces and nephews, Todd (Kathleen), Raeder; Sue Ellen (Tom)
Kartheiser; Tom (Carrie) Raeder; Becky (Scott) Hultine and their families. She leaves behind
many dear friends and her “extended family,” best friend, Elvira Weber and as called by Betty
Lou, her “guardian angel helpers” Tim and Ann Buechel Haack.
Betty Lou is preceded by death by her parents, husbands William and Arnold, brothers George
and Arthur (Art) Raeder, stepson Arnold Lanser, Jr. and many dear friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday (May 27, 2022) at 3:00 PM at Community U.C.C. in
Elkhart Lake. Rev. Rebecca Johnston will officiate. Visitation will take place at CHURCH from
1:00 PM until the time of service. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery in Elkhart Lake.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Betty Lou’s name to Community U.C.C. in Elkhart
Lake.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family. For
online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
Special thanks to Sharon Richardson, the residents and staff at Cedar Bay, Betty Lou’s sister-in-
law Dolores Raeder for her dedicated care and assistance with Betty Lou, Elvira Weber for a
special lifelong friendship and personalized chauffeur service, and Tim and Ann Buechel Haack
for all the special care given to Betty Lou and her beloved home over the years.
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