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March 3, 1947 – May 7, 2024
An Alpena native, Dr. Lani J. VanEck, PhD., is preceded in death by father Floyd Smalley, mother Florida Smalley, sister Patricia Pierce, and husband Peter VanEck. She is survived by daughter Erin Higgins.
Lani achieved a BA in English Literature Cum laude from MSU. She continued at UVA, earning an MA and then a PhD in Anthropology.
As a dedicated, lifelong educator Lani professed a variety of anthropology courses at eight higher learning institutions, including MCCC (1981-87, Monroe), Cleary Univ. (1991, Ypsilanti), CU (1992-94, Boulder, Colo.), CSU (1993-2005, Ft. Collins, Colo.), FRCC (1998-2004, Ft. Collins, Colo.), Univ. of Toledo (2005-08, Toledo, Ohio), Grand Valley State Univ. (2008-09, Allendale), and GRCC (2009 Grand Rapids).
Lani's commitment to community improvements was apparent, working as a Consultant to the Social Planning Commission (Louisa, Va.), Director of Planning and Public Affairs (Monroe), Citizen Advocate/Public Information Officer (Ann Arbor), Community Development Specialist (Ft. Collins, Colo.), and as a private consultant for the Affordable Housing Commission (Ft. Collins, Colo.).
Lani was a well-published author of both fiction and nonfiction works.
Her love of Native American cultures led her to co-found Wounded Knee: The Museum (Wall, SD). She also authored\co-authored numerous related publications and was the keynote speaker at lecture tours throughout the country.
Lani's hobbies included extremely intricate beadwork, knitting, and crochet. Also an accomplished musician, she recorded two studio albums. Lani enjoyed giving lessons to anyone interested in sharing her love of music.