Francis James Lankenau

The Rev. F. J. Lankenau, D. D., 1868 - 1939

Francis James Lankenau was born April 26, 1868, in Fort Wayne, Ind., the son of Henry and Catherine (Schumm) Lankenau. He died July 15, 1939, in Kansas City, Mo., on the eve of addressing the International Walther League of the Lutheran Church. Geneal. His paternal grandparents were natives of Hanover and came to America in 1843; his maternal grandfather was a native of Wuettemberg, Germany; his maternal grandmother was a descendant of an old Palatine family who came to Pennsylvania early in the 18th Century. Education: Fort Wayne College; Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Ill., 1891, D.D. 1934; married Helen Bleeke, July 20, 1892, children were: Alfred, Veteran WWI, Silver star with First Division; Arthur, graduate of Valparaiso University in Engineering; Frank, graduate of St. Louis Theological Seminary and Kansas University; Harold, authority of FHA; Wilfred, gradduate of Annapolis, Capt. USN Ret.; Paul, Attorney in Napoleon; Otto, Postmaster of Napoleon; Norman, grad of West Point, Col. USA, Ret.; Helen Becker of Baltimore, Md.

Dr. Lankenau authored many books and articles, including: Southern Lutheran Magazine in New Orleans, Louisiana Editor, Southern Lutheran 1905-07; Lutheran Pioneer Editor from 1913-33; Author "World is Our Field;" "Communion Council and Prayer;" "Our Glorious Savior;" "Occasional Addresses."

Dr. Lankenau was pastor of St. Paul's Church Napoleon from 1908 until his death in 1939. He was First Vice President of the Missouri Lutheran Synod from 1926 until his death.

"With the death of Dr. Lankenau the Lutheran Church in America has sustained a severe loss. He was Acting-President of the Ev. Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other states and his passing will be mourned by uncounted thousands who knew him through his writings and sermons." Prof. O. P. Kretzmann to International Walther League at opening of convention in Kansas City.

"He left the Church in word and deed a high example of continued Christian service. His riveting oratory, his Gospel-centered sermons and his Christ-marked life have left an indelible impress particularly upon our younger members." Dr. Walter A. Maier.

"Dr. Lankenau has been the St. Paul of many a young Timothy. As a boy, I revered him as a second Martin Luther." Dr. Ernest Schwiebert.

"We know that our good Doctor Lankenau rendered most excellent service in the Kingdom of our Redeemer, and he rendered it so willingly, so faithfully and so efficiently. We shall miss him." Dr. J. W. Behnken, President of the Missouri Synod.

"He was a joyful warrior. He would have said to us, 'No, don't give up, don't retreat. For shame upon you! Have we not taught you better than that?' " Rev. Paul Schulz, speaking for Dr. Lankenau at opening of Walther League Convention, July 16,1939 over M.B.C.

Submitted by the Family