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Charles Arthur Lankau Jr.

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Colgate University

FUNERAL HOME

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc. - New City

321 South Main Street

New City, New York

Charles Lankau Obituary

Lankau Jr., Charles Arthur

Charles Arthur Lankau, Jr., M.D., cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the age of 75. His grace, faith, and perseverance throughout his struggle with illness will always be remembered.

Charles was the eldest son of the late Charles Arthur Lankau, Sr. and Margaret Fee. He was born on September 24, 1938 in Nyack, New York at Nyack Hospital, and lived in Nanuet during his formative years. He attended Nanuet Elementary School and Nyack High School, where he met his wife, devoted partner, and best friend, Frances Wamsley. He graduated from Colgate University (B.S.), with Honors, in 1960, and earned his Doctor of Medicine with Honor in 1964. He proudly served as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, where he received the Army Commodation Medal for meritorious service. He moved his family to Miami, Florida where he served as Chief of Pediatric Surgery for 31 years at Miami Children's Hospital.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Frances Wamsley; his daughter Lisa, son Charles and daughter-in-law Melenie, son Stephen and daughter-in-law Daphne; nine grandchildren, Michele, Lianna, Charles IV, Julia, Nicholas, Andrew, Annalisa, Mia, and Stephen Jr.; and brothers, Paul (Judy) Lankau, Robert (Nancy) Lankau, Peter (Sharon) Lankau; and sister, Grace (Charles) Leo; and 45 nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, December 15, at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, New City, NY from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 16, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Nanuet, NY at 10am, followed by burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nyack, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Miami Children's Hospital Foundation, 3100 S.W. 62nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33155, in memory of Charles A. Lankau, Jr. M.D.

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home Inc.

321 S. Main Street

New City, NY 10956

(845) 634-6110

www.mjhigginsnewcity.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Lankau

Sponsored by Lisa Lankau.

25 Entries

Lourdes Galvez

November 7, 2024

My name is Lourdes Maria Galvez, I was a patient of his in 1982 at Miami Children´s Hospital. I am truly blessed for the kindness and care he provided without his expertise and knowledge I wouldn´t be here today.

Thank you for saving my life.

Beverly Bostick

January 15, 2021

Dr Lankau was such a blessing to me. My son, Troy, had several surgeries by him and he gave the utmost care to him. I am forever grateful to him. Troy has since died. I have fond memories of our many admissions and visits to MCH! What a blessing Dr Lankau was to me and my family

Lisa Lankau

October 16, 2016

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.

October 15, 2016

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

Louise Fryer

February 22, 2016

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.

Scott & Mary Ellen Hettinger

January 24, 2015

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.

G V

December 19, 2014

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.

Lisa davis

October 8, 2014

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

Tsimi Kbabwi

March 16, 2014

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.

Karen Titus (Overmeyer)

February 12, 2014

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

Mary Lou Ammon

January 25, 2014

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.

Lisa Lankau

January 10, 2014

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.

David Blackstone

December 19, 2013

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

Dee Savarino Lear RN ANM Baptist Hosp

December 16, 2013

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

Pete/Rutann Malacolm

December 16, 2013

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

December 15, 2013

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

December 14, 2013

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

December 14, 2013

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.

December 14, 2013

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)

Nancy Nielsen

December 13, 2013

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.

Sandra George

December 13, 2013

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

Kathy Kelly Cogan

December 12, 2013

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

December 12, 2013

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)

December 11, 2013

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.

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