Gerald L Lantz

Gerald L. Lantz, age 71, of Chadwick, Illinois, died Sunday, December 14, 2008, at C.G.H. Medical Center, Sterling, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial gathering will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mount Carroll. A memorial fund has been established in Gerald’s memory. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com .
Gerald was born on November 22, 1937 in Dixon, Illinois, the son of Leonard C. and Gladys G. (Hartman) Lantz. Gerald attended school in Mount Carroll, Illinois. He served in the United States Navy from 1954-1957. Gerald married Lucille Rekenthaler on November 22, 1962 in the Mount Carroll United Methodist Church, Mount Carroll.
Gerald drove truck his entire life. During his trucking career he was an owner operator and drove for various other trucking companies in the area. He also drove a tour bus for R.C. Smith, Morrison, Illinois for a few years. Following retirement in 2002, Gerald enjoyed working for the Mississippi Belle II River Boat Casino, Clinton, Iowa, driving a shuttle. He was an avid fan of Milwaukee Brewers Baseball and Green Bay Packers Football. He enjoyed watching old war movies and westerns, starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Most of all, Gerald enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Lucille of Chadwick; one daughter, Kimberly Gratz of Viroqua, Wisconsin; two sons, Gerry Lee Lantz of Mount Carroll and Gregory L. (Shelly) Lantz of Chadwick; eight grandchildren, Nathan, Nicole, Cassidy, Jennifer, A.J., Jacob, Hailey Jo, and Kyle; and one sister, Judith (John) Armstrong of Thomson, Illinois. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents.