Lanhart, Jacob Daniel (Jake) passed away October 23, 2021, at the age of 24, at his home in Lakewood, Colorado. Jake was born on June 23, 1997 and was a graduate of Burnsville High School. Jake was known for his fierce competitive nature, whether it was playing in a national chess tournament, or competing in football and as captain of his rugby team, two sports that he loved. Jake earned the nickname Lionheart because of his determination to win on and off the field.
After graduation, he spent time in Arizona before settling down in Colorado. There he found the two loves of his life, climbing mountains and his girlfriend Maddy Cadry. Jake spent the last 2 ½ years summiting 14ers as part of his recovery. He told us that he felt closest to God when he was on a mountain. His ultimate desire was to work for his dad’s ministry, Wild Hearts Adventures, bringing people in recovery out to the wilderness to connect with God, themselves, and each other through adventure.
Jake was known for his charisma and smile. His engaging spirit made everyone around him feel welcomed and at ease.
Jake also used that same determination to battle his substance use disorder. Jake faced every day with courage and strength, as he focused on his well-being and recovery. He fought hard for his sobriety, but ultimately succumbed to his disease. Jake will never be defined by his struggles, but by the amazing life he lived. Because of his addiction, our family grew in our love and acceptance for others and learned to love well. His last courageous act was saving his friend’s life with naloxone.
Jake is proceeded in death by his grandfather, Derald D. Jones and grandmother, Anja E. Lanhart. Jake is survived by his parents, Paul and Pam Lanhart, his siblings Diana (Mike) Kapala, Andy (Ariel) Lanhart and Nikki Lanhart, his grandparents Barbara (Mel) Johnson and Donald Lanhart, his 10 nieces and nephews, whom he adored, his many loving aunts, uncles and cousins and Maddy Cadry, his long-time girlfriend.
Jake’s Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 2pm at Hometown Church Lakeville, 16165 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville MN 55044. There will be a visitation Wednesday evening, November 3, 2021, from 6-8pm and 1 hour prior to the service, also at Hometown Church. Please dress casual; your favorite hiking outfit would be awesome! Jake would have loved that.
In leu of flowers, donations can be made to Wild Hearts Adventures at www.wildheartsadventures.org to Thrive Family Recovery Resources at www.thrivefamilyrecoveryresources.org or to any organization that supports harm reduction, naloxone distribution or recovery supports.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder please reach out to SAMHSA at www.SAMHSA.gov or Partnership to End Addiction at www.drugfree.org
You are not alone.
