Benjamin J, Jantz was born to John and Elizabeth Jantz on June 13, 1888, at Halstead, Kansas, He departed this life on December 20, 1971, at Grady Memorial Hospital in Chickasha, Oklahoma reaching the age of 83 years, 6 months, and 7 days.
He with his parents moved from Moundridge, Kansas, to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, in 1893. In 1902, the family moved to Fort Cob, Oklahoma. At the age of 20, Father came to the Chickasha community and took up work as a farm laborer.
On May 4, 1911, he was joined in marriage to Emelia Schmidt. Three sons and eight daughters were born to this union.
Father realized his lost condition and felt the need of a personal Savior. He experienced the new birth upon a complete surrender to God, thus allowing God to lead him according to His will. On March 19, 1922, he was baptized and became a member of The Church of God in Christ (Mennonite). Father was faithful and sincere in Christian living. After several years it became evident that God had called him to a particular work. In harmony with the call of God, the church elected him to the office of the deaconry. He was ordained on March 3, 1935, by the late Elder Tobias Unruh. He filled this office with integrity of heart. He was an asset and proved to be of great inspiration in consultation with the ministerial staff of this congregation. Father was concerned for the spiritual welfare of the children and grandchildren.
Father had been in failing health for a number of years. He was looking forward with faith to be present with the Lord. We believe the Lord has granted him his soul's desire. Father has gone on before and now in spirit is beckoning us to follow.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his bereaved companion, Emelia, three sons, Harry and wife Elizabeth of Verden, Okla.; Lincoln and wife Lois, Ervin and wife Verna June of Chickasha, Oklahoma. Eight daughters; Leona and husband Dave Jantz of Mt. Lehman, British Columbia, Canada; Iva and husband Herman Becker, Mildred and husband Lucas Koehn, Pauline and husband Irvin Decker all of Halstead, Kansas; Annie and husband Milferd Ratzlaff of Canton, Kansas; Ruby and husband Edward Koehn of Galva, Kansas; Malinda and husband Albert Schmidt, Elizabeth and husband Melvin Anthony of Chickasha, Oklahoma; Two brothers, Daniel Jantz of Bethany, Oklahoma; Louis Jantz of Forth Sobb, Oklahoma; Five sisters, Mrs. Helena Harrell of Carnegie, Okla.; Mrs. Mary Schmidt of Fort Cobb, Okla.; Mrs. Katherine Unruh of Meno, Okla.; Mrs. Anna Fogelstrom of Cashmere, Washington; and Mrs. Philbena Janz of Inola, Oklahoma; 39 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents, 8 brothers, 2 sisters and 3 grandchildren.
Funeral services were held in the Plainview Mennonite Church, Chickasha, on Dec. 23, 1971 with interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Messenger of Truth 1972 Issue 2