Lance C. McCracken

Captain Lance C. McCracken, age 62, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2013, at his home in Lancaster. He was born on January 9, 1951, in East St. Louis, IL, the son of Stanton and Meldora (Beers) McCracken. Lance graduated from Belleville Township High School West in 1969. On November 8, 1972, Lance was united in marriage to Lila West in Belleville. He was employed on the western rivers as Captain for thirty-three years. He was a hard worker and always went where the work was. Lance and Lila moved to Wisconsin in 1989. He enjoyed fixing up and riding motorcycles, fishing, and watching the humming birds. Lance also enjoyed watching football. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and attending their activities.

Survivors include his loving wife, Lila, Lancaster; their children: Corey (Natasha) McCracken, Montfort; Kelly (Caleb) Gieseke, Fennimore; Jeremy (Tammy Rosenbaum) McCracken, Lancaster; his mother, Meldora Layton, Waterloo, IL; seven grandchildren: Ethan, Brandon, Dylan, Hannah, Skyler, Sarah, and Breanna; other relatives, cousins and friends.

In addition to his father, Stanton, Lance was preceded in death by a brother, Michael McCracken.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, December 21, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. at Bethany Alliance Church in Fennimore with Pastor Dave Arevalo officiating. Family greeted friends on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services is serving the family.