Elwyn "Al" Banghart

Lansing - It is with love and sadness that we report that Al died June 9, 2021, at the age of 95. He was born on December 17, 1925, to William Burdel and Louise (Schultz) Banghart, both deceased.

He grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, and graduated from Pontiac High School. Al served in the Naval Air Corps during the Second World War. He attended Michigan State University, where he received his B.S. and M.A. degrees. Al taught school in Haslett and later in the Lansing Public Schools for 33 years, where he was president of the L.E.A.

His favorite hobby was playing duplicate bridge, which he taught for years at LCC. He was thought of as a remarkably good bridge player. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren, reading, working on the computer, and attending theater, especially when one of his children was in the cast. He attended the Lansing Symphony Orchestra concerts and he and his wife traveled over most of this country and Europe. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he has served as a deacon. At his former church, Delta Presbyterian Church, he was an elder. Since retirement, Al has donated his time to the Lansing Food Bank and the Delta Township District Library. He also donated 28 gallons of blood to the Lansing Blood Bank.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, William (Gloria) and Perry (Donna); sisters, Wilhelmina (Bill) Avis, Doris (Charles) Jehle and his twin sister, Elna.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta (Dye); sons, Richard (Zara), Mark (Kathy); daughter, Emily (Gordon) Clark; stepchildren, David (Louise) Peto, Dan Peto, and Julie (Ken) Marrison; grandchildren, Linus Richard (Stephanie), Jeffrey (Betsy), Daniel (Stacie), Michael, Andrea (Christopher) Detrick, Abigail (Erik) Grill, and Benjamin (Kat Cooper) English; two step-grandchildren, Andrew Marrison and Katie Marrison; and six and a half great-grandchildren; sister, Esther (Gerald) Peter.

His ashes will be spread in the memorial garden at Lansing First Presbyterian Church, with family attending. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lansing Food Bank or the Delta Township Library.

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

Published by Lansing State Journal from Jun. 10 to Jun. 13, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Elwyn Banghart

Sponsored by Estes-Leadley Funeral Home - Lansing.

7 Entries

Kristy B.

January 19, 2022

When I think about my school years, I don't remember most of my teachers. I'm sure that they were all good at their jobs, but were just kind of there. A small handful though - they were special. They stood out from the rest because it was clear that they loved their jobs, and they loved their students.

My family moved to the Everett Elementary school district halfway through my fifth grade year. It wasn't my best year of school ever.

But then sixth grade rolled around and I was so blessed to have been placed in Mr. Banghart's class!

I remember he loved Tarzan books, and it was always a good day when he could be convinced to read us another chapter or two. Or more.

He was also good with real life stories too. Like how one of his fingers just kind of flopped over one day and he wound up having surgery, complete with a metal pin. I still cringe when I think about that one. Then, there was the story about how, when driving down the road one day, he watched one of his tires sail on ahead of him. He had such a way with words, and such a great attitude about those times when life throws a surprise in our path.

Mr. Banghart made sixth grade the best experience a kid could ever have. And I'm glad I'm not the only one who remembers him so fondly.

Robbyn Blackman

July 20, 2021

Mr. Banghart was my beloved 6th grade teacher. His enthusiastic teaching style and love of reading made a real impact on the lives of his students. He loved to read aloud the works of Mark Twain with real dramatic flair.
He was reading a "Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur´s Court" to the class on November 22, 1963. He paused reading to step out a moment and returned to tell us in his gentle way that our President had passed away.
Mr. Banghart stood up from his desk, turned and erased the board to collect himself, before he told us school was dismissed and we were to go straight home.
He bent his head in tears as we left the classroom.
He is forever enjoined in the historical memories of that moment in time. His eloquent empathy, humor and kindness is the legacy of a teacher that made an indelible mark on those he taught.

Michelle Harrison

June 17, 2021

Sincerest condolences to the family. I was blessed to have Mr. Banghart as a teacher and loved when he read to us! He was a great man.

Pam Mellen

June 15, 2021

He was one of my favorite teachers at Everett Elementary I had him for 6th grade he truly cared and loved his students he lived a good long life, sympathy and prayers to his family
Pam McLellan Mellen

Christine McLellan Kintigh

June 14, 2021

I had Mr. Banghart in 6th grade at Everett Elementary. He was the best teacher, patient, kind, caring and that made for a remarkable school year. Some of my 5 siblings also had him too. We all loved him...the McLellan family.

Bonnie (Van Epps) Pollok

June 12, 2021

I was a 6th grade student of Mr. Banghart about 60+ years ago at Everett Elementary and I always remember him to be one of my favorite teachers. So compassionate and caring!

Micky Hardin

June 11, 2021

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Bangharts family. I Had Mr. Banghart for my sixth grade teacher. He was a great teacher. I still remember him teaching us to sing Yellow Bird, and Where have all the flowers gone?

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