James R. Lanning

James R. Lanning, the son of Gordon and Janice (Feaster) Lanning, was born May 23, 1939 on a farm near Mallard, Iowa. As a young child, he moved with his family to a farm near Bradgate and Jim graduated from Gilmore City High School in 1958. On December 31, 1960, he was united in marriage to Mary Jean Collins at St. John’s Catholic Church in Gilmore City. The couple made their homes in Humboldt and Dakota City before moving to Rutland.
Jim worked for the Chantland Company for several years before going to work for Hanisch Manufacturing as a precision machinist for 27 years. He then went to work for the Mertz Corporation until his retirement. In his retirement, Jim worked part-time for R&G Electric.
Jim was a member of the Model A Ford Club and enjoyed working on his ’29 Ford and attending swap meets. He enjoyed going to Mass with Mary. He loved fishing and the outdoors. Above all, Jim loved his grandchildren and attending their activities.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Jean Lanning of Rutland; daughters, Linda (Tom) Hanson of Dakota City and Joan (Steve) Reedy of Hardy; grandchildren, Justin (Lauren) Hanson, Joel Hanson, Jason Christensen, and Amanda Christensen; great-grandchildren, Lex Christensen and Tate Hanson; brother, William (Linda) Lanning of Rutland; and sisters, Cheryl (Randy) Curry of Humboldt and Lori (Mark) Hamand of Humboldt. He was preceded in death by his parents.