Lanny Charles Kolpek

Lanny C. Kolpek, 78, of Rochester, MN passed away on May 19, 2026 at his home with his wife and son by his side. Lanny had battled cancer for the last 8+ years.

Lanny Charles Kolpek was born on November 1, 1947 in Glencoe, MN to parents Charles and Dorothy (Klunder) Kolpek. Lanny graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1965. In high school, Lanny participated in football and basketball. He was very involved with music and received star ratings at state solo ensemble contests. He was also a member of the Minnesota FFA band for two years and was selected as a member of the National FFA band in Kansas City, Missouri.

Lanny received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Mankato State University with additional course work toward an M.S. Degree. While obtaining his music degree, he was a member of various bands and also soloed with the Mankato State Symphonic Winds. Lanny student taught at the American School Foundation in Mexico City, Mexico to complete his Music Internship. Upon completion of Lanny's internship, he taught for four years in the Bertha-Hewitt School District.

Lanny was drafted in 1970 and was a member of the US 81st Army Band. After honorable discharge from the US Army, he returned to the Bertha-Hewitt School District.

On August 28, 1971, he was united in marriage to Carol Hennagir, and the couple had a son, Brandon.

From 1973-1977 he was the Director of Bands at John Adams Junior High School in Rochester, Minnesota where his Honor Band was selected to perform at the MMEA Mid-Winter Clinic in Minneapolis. From 1977-1997 he was the Director of Bands at John Marshall High School; a position he held for twenty years. In 1984 and 1987, the JM Marching Band participated in the King Kamehameha Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii. The JM Marching Band held the distinction of being the first high school band to perform at Pearl Harbor. In 1997 Lanny was appointed Director of Bands at the new Century High School until his retirement in 2004.

Lanny had been active as a clinician and adjudicator for solo-ensemble and large group contests, as well as a guest conductor at various festivals. He held professional memberships in MMEA, NEA, MENC, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and was inducted into the American School Band Director's Association in 1984.

Lanny had many hobbies including summer fishing, ice fishing, watching and attending the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher football and basketball teams, cooking, music, the outdoors, sitting by a fire, and most importantly, spending time with family; especially at their lake home in Wisconsin.

Lanny is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Brandon Kolpek (Lacy Lutzi) of Rochester, MN; three grandchildren, Parker, Cora, and Luella; and a brother, Larry Kolpek of Mason City, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry; his parents-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

Memorials may be made to the Mayo Clinic Oncology Department or Mayo Clinic Hospice in Rochester, MN.

Per Lanny's wishes there will be a private Celebration of Life. Inurnment will be at the Oakwood East Columbarium in Rochester.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kolpek family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com