George Laucks Xanders, Jr.

George Laucks Xanders, Jr. died on November 18, 2008 in Warsaw, Indiana. He was 94.

"Zum" (to his friends) was born on April 12, 1914 in a house on Front Street in Syracuse to the late George L. Xanders, Sr. and Ruth Bittman Xanders. Zum attended Indiana University, graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1937 and from the School of Law in 1939. Known by many names, Laucks served in the US Army, 32nd Division, during WWII, and was stationed in Australia and New Guinea. He remained in the reserves after the war, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1953, he was united in marriage to Lois Mary Ford.

A life long resident of Syracuse, Laucks practiced law and operated an insurance agency there until his retirement in 1982. Over the years he maintained homes in Naples, FL, Green Valley, AZ, Santa Fe, NM, and Diamondhead, MS; but always came home to Syracuse. An avid hunter and fisherman, Laucks knew the lakes well. He remained an active leader in the Canada Speckled Trout Club, Mile 60, Alva ON (founded by his father) making his last trip a the age of 91. He also golfed from Florida to California and was a long time member of Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. George was a founding member of the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, a member of American Legion Post 223, and a 50 year member of the Masonic fraternity.

He is survived by his daughter and her husband: Chris and Robert Trame; his son and his wife: George and Ann; three grandchildren, Robert, George (IV), and Thomas; a sister, Joan Haas; and a brother, William Henry (Issac) Xanders. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas, and his wife, Lois.

A Memorial service for George Laucks Xanders, Jr. will be held at 1:45 PM, Saturday, November 22, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 7812 E. Vawter Park Road, Syracuse with Father Larry Biller officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome at the church. Burial will follow in Syracuse Cemetery. In lieu of visitation, a celebration of life will follow the service at 3:00 PM at Bonar Cottage, 13354 North East Shore Drive, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name at Howe Military School, Development Department, P.O. Box 240, Howe, IN 46746.

Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Harris Chapel, Syracuse is in charge of arrangements.