Richard Henry Lansing was born on February 13, 1934, at the family farm in rural Ossian, Iowa, to Henry and Ida (Blong) Lansing. He attended St. Francis de Sales School before answering the call to serve his country as a U.S. Army mechanic prior to the Korean War. Upon returning home, he began farming on halves with his parents, eventually purchasing the family farm entirely. Dedicated to his life’s work, he later furthered his agricultural education at Area I Vocational-Technical School in Calmar, IA.
On August 27, 1966, Richard was united in marriage to Madelyn Tilkes at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington, Iowa. Together, they welcomed five children and built a family filled with many cherished memories.
Richard was invested in his community and dedicated his time to local organizations. For a period, he served as a member of the AMPI Dairy Council. A faithful parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Church, he volunteered his time as a church usher and thoroughly enjoyed driving students on numerous field trips for De Sales Elementary. Richard also loved pitching in with the Knights of Columbus, especially helping out at their annual turtle and chili soup suppers.
Richard enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests throughout his life. He found pleasure in crocheting, working on puzzles, traveling, and bird watching. Above all, he treasured spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan. Whether pursuing his favorite pastimes or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, Richard appreciated the simple joys of life.
Richard is survived by his children, Brenda Teslow of Ossian, Joyce (Philip) Waters of Hudson, Sandra (Alan) Lamborn of Nashua, and Glen (Angie) Lansing of Postville; eleven grandchildren; Vincent (Paula) Waters, Austin (fiance Lorelei Herrod) Waters, Amber Waters, Jade Lansing, Carter Lansing, Olivia Lansing, Parker Lansing, Ashton (Mitch) Cross, Dawson (Liberty) Lamborn, Aiden Lamborn, and Eden Lamborn; two great-grandchildren, Maverick and Marshall Lamborn; and sisters-in-law, Darlene Lansing, Rose Lansing, Grace Pittman, Florence Tilkes, and Jean Tilkes.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Madelyn; infant daughter, Angela; son-in-law, Jeff Teslow; parents Henry and Ida Lansing; siblings and in-laws, Rita (Melvin) Baumler, Theresa (Cyril) Baumler, Clarence Lansing, Virgil Lansing; Lawrence Tilkes, Carol (Richard) Havel, Sister Lois Tilkes, OSF, Nick Tilkes, Jeannette McClure-Hillegas, Brian McClure, Bob Hillegas and Wayne Pittman.
A Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 5pm with a Rosary at 1:30 pm on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before Mass time at the church on Monday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 19, 2026 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa.
Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.
Luncheon will follow burial at Silver Springs Country Club, Ossian, Iowa.
Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian Iowa is assisting the family with services.