In Memoriam
Dr. William Linwood Lanzer, 76, of Bellevue, Washington passed away on December 16, 2022, after a battle with cancer.
Bill was born on November 10, 1946 to William and Matilda Lanzer in Passaic, New Jersey. Bill grew up playing multiple sports and performing at piano recitals as an excellent pianist. He went on to University of California Berkeley for undergraduate and UCLA (1964-1968) with a BA in Psychology. After undergraduate he proudly served in the US Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel (1968-1972). He began Medical School at Rutgers University and finished receiving his Medical Degree from Washington University in St. Louis (1977). Dr. Lanzer was elected to spend 2 years at the National Institute of Health performing Cancer research (1977-1979). He was accepted into the University of San Diego Orthopedic Residency program (1977-1983). At completion of his residency he was selected to be an Adult Reconstructive Fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota (1983-1984). He then accepted a position as Professor of Orthopedics at University of Washington Medical School (1984).
Dr. Lanzer was published in numerous medical journals and was consider a thought leader in the medical community. He was recognized by his colleagues, nurses, and patients as a confident, decisive, talented surgeon. He trained numerous fellows and residents as the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. He was a brilliant man known to many and was just as unique in persona.
Over the last 40 years, Bill and his family took numerous memorable vacations, The Jersey Shore, Alaskan dog sledding expeditions, the Montreal Grand Prix, and Hawaii on multiple occasions. Bill also had a passion for flight, bringing his children along for his expeditions.
Dr. Lanzer is survived by his Former Wife Mary Jo, children, Stephanie Odom, William (Audrey) Lanzer, Kristofer (Angelina) Lanzer, Kevin Lanzer, as well as his five grandchildren, Payton, Lincoln, Brinn, Cora and Luca.
Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on January 28, 2023, at 10AM.
Sacred Heart Church: 9460 NE 14th St, Clyde Hill, WA 98004.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
Greg Ehrhardt
Hubert W. Meyer
I remember Bill Lanzar from RHS track - we were both champion 100 yd sprinters - - - naah. We were shot put-ers. He was very big and strong, and usually outdid me. But we both managed to get senior letters for our efforts. We had a good, very friendly relationship. Easy going, supportive of one-another. I am sorry to know he is no longer with us; but hopefully in an even better place.
Greg Ehrhardt
Harry W. Joel
So sorry to learn about Jim M. And Bill L. Both were great guys and it was a real pleasure knowing them.
Greg Ehrhardt
Jacquelyn A. (Jacque) Fontan (Kaster)
Really sad news about Jim McLaughlin and Bill Lanzer. Two good guys .Certainly gives one pause...
The last time I saw Bill was serindipitous. He was attending a large orthopaedic conference in Anaheim, CA. I was attending UCLA at the time and tagged along with a good friend from CO and her orthopod husband. Walking through the hotel lobby, I saw Bill sitting in a chair, reading..Even after so many years, he was easy to recognize. We chatted for quite a while, catching up on whatever tidbits from Rutherford each of us could share. Ironically, Bruce Psaty, and old friend of my sister's was also an MD at U. Washington so we laughed about Rutherford being well represented there.