Bill passed away at Bronson Methodist Hospital on Saturday, September 22, 2018. He was born January 11, 1936 in Howard County, Indiana; one of 6 children born to the late Carl and Edna (Troyer) Lantz. His surviving siblings are Rosanne Voltmer, Jim Lantz and Ken Lantz.
He is preceded in death by his siblings Carlyne Jeffries, Keith Lantz and his grandson Levi Hatfield. After graduation from Fairview (Michigan) High School, he joined the Army and served in the Occupation Forces in Germany. Following an honorable discharge, he came to the area as a fish culturist at Wolf Lake Hatchery.
Later that year, he met Sharon Rumsey and they were married in Almena Methodist Church on June 19, 1959. The next year, they moved to Sharon’s ancestral farm in Almena and there they raised their four children: Kimberly (Mike) Hatfield, Becky (Jim) Bailey, Eric (Brenda) Lantz of Paw Paw and Robin (Tom) Davis of Three Rivers. His grandchildren are: Matthew Hatfield, Cathrine and Kurt Davis, Connor (fiancée Kellsie Osborne) and Paige Bailey, C.J., Madeline, and Austin Beach, Mackenzie Mattimore and Chase Lantz.
One great-granddaughter, Alaina Hatfield and many special nieces and nephews. In 1972, Bill started Lantz Excavating, Inc. which was his focus until retirement. During those years, he studied diesel and automotive mechanics with the Commercial Trade Institute and Wayne School.
Bill was always a framer at heart and enjoyed his garden and chickens. He loved the outdoors and the second week of November would usually find him in the U.P. at deer camp. He and Sharon enjoyed the history and beauty of their country and together they traveled and camped throughout North America.
In the past, Bill served on the Almena Township Zoning Board and Board of Review. He was a member of the Paw Paw United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post #68. He was a fun-loving person who enjoyed the antics and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren Their home was often the gathering place for picnics and family reunions.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 27th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave, Paw Paw. Funeral services will take place Friday, September 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, 420 West Michigan Ave, with Pastor Donna Keyte officiating. Burial will follow at Almena Cemetery with military honors.
A luncheon will take place at the church following the cemetery services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Paw Paw United Methodist Church or America Legion Post #68.
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