By Deborah Larsen
Hans Edwin Lantzsch
Hans Edwin Lantzsch was born in Krogis, Germany, on August 7, 1923, the son of Edwin and Frieda Louise Ettmeier Lantzsch. He emigrated with his family to the U.S. when he was three years old. The Lantzsch family settled on Longview Avenue in the Brooklands area of Avon Township. Hans attended Rochester High School and graduated in the class of 1941. After high school, he entered Wayne University (now Wayne State University).
In June 1943, Hans entered the U.S. Army. He was trained as a medic and assigned to the 33rd Medical Depot Company. The 33rd was attached to General George Patton’s 3rd Army and served in England, France, and Germany. Hans was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He was released from military service in January 1946.
After the war, Hans continued his college education. He received a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1948 and a graduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1950. He married, started a family, and embarked on a distinguished career in education culminating in a 17-year tenure as superintendent of schools in Roscommon, Michigan.
Hans Edwin Lantzsch died at age 78 on December 11, 2001, and was laid to rest in Roscommon, Michigan.