Merlin Keith Jantz

Passed away September 10, 2011 at his home in Odessa, WA. He was born September 7, 1928 in Odessa, WA to Abraham and Lydia Jantz. As a young child the family moved to the Harrington area where he attended school until returning to Odessa where he graduated from Odessa High School in 1946. After graduating he continued to farm with his brother until he join the US Air force in 1950. While in the Air Force he married Norma Carlson of Lamona, WA on January 1, 1951 in Cheyenne, WY. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1954 he returned to Odessa where he farmed and raised cattle and his family. He loved being on the farm. He is survived by four children Mel and Kathy Jantz of Odessa, WA; Susan and Bruce Schuh of Coeur d’ Alene, ID; Peggy and Paul Charlton of Harrington, WA and Steve Jantz of Davenport, WA along with 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. One sister Irma King of Spokane, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Norma in 2000, three brothers John, Howard and Cornelius and one sister Bertha. He is a member of the Zion Emmanuel Lutheran Church where he was a Sunday school superintendent and served on the church council for many years. He was a former member of the Odessa School board (24 yrs.), Lincoln county PUD board, Odessa VFW, Odessa Grange and a US Air Force Korean Veteran. He enjoyed visiting with both friends and family, watching his grandchildren’s activities and farming and raising cattle. He was a great supporter of the Odessa-Harrington athletics and loved watching his grandchildren in sports. His biggest joy was spending time with his family. Memorial service, Monday, September 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Zion Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Odessa, WA with Pastor Barry Warpness, officiating. Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church, Odessa, WA. Mr. Jantz will lie in state at the STRATE FUNERAL HOME; DAVENPORT, WA on Sunday September 18, 2011 from 5-7 PM. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA is caring for the family. www.stratefuneralhome.com