Gerald Jantz

Gerald B. Jantz (82) passed away on 8-27-2021. He was born on 8–10-1939 to Ben B. & Alma (Johnson) Jantz in Hillsboro, KS. He married Judith Goebel on 6-3-1960 in Moundridge, KS.

Gerald was raised on a farm in central Kansas along with 11 siblings whom he remained close with throughout his life. Growing up, he enjoyed many adventures on the farm. He graduated from high school in Kansas. The day after graduation, Gerald set out to work the harvest. Following the harvest, he worked on a dairy farm, lived and worked at his sister’s family farm and worked at a filling station pumping gas. It is there that he met his future wife whom he was married to for 61 years.

At age 18, Gerald became employed by Hesston Corporation selling farm equipment where he worked for a total of 41 years. He began in Kansas; helped open a new branch office in California; was a Territory Manager in Utah/Nevada/Idaho/Wyoming, New York/Pennsylvania/Canada and Southern California/Arizona/northern Mexico; and was a Branch Sales Manager in the northeast United States. He was also co-owner of a farm equipment store in Kerman, California for 4 years. He was always a compete workaholic, dedicated to his job, which led him to earning many sales awards and company trips over the years by reaching company sales goals. Even though his job transfers moved the family around the country, he always considered his wife’s and family needs prior to accepting any new position. Gerald established many close working and friendly relationships as a result of his work and he remained in contact with several of those co-workers even after his retirement in 2003.

Family trips were always enjoyed by Gerald. It was not uncommon for the family to take trips throughout the state of California, Utah, Kansas, and Colorado, including camping at the beach and in the mountains. When they moved to New York, they had the opportunity to travel throughout the eastern United States to see the sights. He also enjoyed trips that took him further away from home such as to Alaska, Hawaii, Cabo, and even a cruise from Seattle to Sydney!

In spite of Gerald’s many hours at work, he maintained a healthy amount of leisure activities and things to fill his free time. While in Kansas he got his pilot’s license and flew a private prop plane. He continued his love for planes by reading about airplanes and attending air shows throughout his life. He also had an interest in old cars. He loved to golf, fish, snow ski, geocache, ride his motorcycle, hike, swim, exercise, and to go for walks in the neighborhood. Other things that Gerald enjoyed were reading Westerns, telling stories about his adventures on the farm and his antics with his work colleagues, drinking Jack Daniels with a splash, and eating any desserts.

Aside from his wife, Gerald’s two loves were kids and animals. This was evident by seeing him at family reunions or family dinners where he could always be found playing with the kids or holding a baby. He often could be found spending many hours being dressed up by his daughters or playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also seemed to be attracted to any animal in his vicinity, but he had a particular love of dachshunds.

Gerald was married for 61 years. He exemplified the traits of a dedicated husband. He could always be seen holding his wife’s hand, calling his wife regularly when he traveled, and he enjoyed giving her roses on their anniversary.

One of Gerald’s greatest attributes that people frequently commented on is that he was such a nice man. Additionally, he was extremely kind, generous, and loving. He had a great sense of humor and continued to frequently crack jokes.

Gerald is survived by his wife, 2 daughters (& spouses), 5 grandchildren (& spouses), and 3 siblings. He was pre-deceased by his parents, 8 siblings and 1 great-grandson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 1:00pm at TPC Summerlin, 1700 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a donation be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his name. You may do so at http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/gjantz.