John D. Fantz
65, Columbus, Montana

Memorial Service: Held At A Later Date In Oblong, Illinois  
 
 
John David Fantz, age 65, ended his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at the Beartooth Manor in Columbus, Montana.
 
   John was born an only child to Harold and Violet (Helm) Fantz in Salem, Illinois who preceded him in death.  He grew up all over the United States as his father worked the oil fields.  He was always gifted with tools and animals.  He did farm work early and single handedly helping his grandmother after the death of his grandfather to run her farm when he was only 12 years old.
 
   John is survived by the love of his life Janice Joy (Harsch) Fantz whom he met at Eastern College in chemistry class.  They were married June 14, 1964 in Billings, Montana.  John was a police officer in Boise, Idaho then joined the US Border Patrol where he spent most of his career.  He served in stations in San Diego, California; Detroit, Michigan; International Falls, Minnesota and Pasco, Washington.  John retired from the Department of Justice and returned to the work he loved most.  He worked on Beartooth Ranch and did over the road trucking for his retirement.
 
   John is grieved by his four children:  Jason (Ann) Fantz of New Virginia, IA, Jonna Fantz of Minneapolis, MN, Jennifer Fantz Tenino, WA and Janelle Leonard of Kennewick, WA.  He also leaves three grandchildren: Alora Leonard, Abigail Fantz and Brianna Fantz.
 
   John’s funeral will be held on Monday, June 14 at 11 AM at the Evangelical Church of  Absarokee.  Visitation will be held on Sunday evening 7-9 PM at Smith Funeral Chapel in Columbus, MT.  In lieu of flowers, John preferred donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association: ALS Division to help find a cure for this terrible disease; RiverStone Hospice for the loving care he received; or his home church, the Evangelical Church of Absarokee, in gratitude for his faith family.  A memorial service will be held in Oblong, Illinois at a later date.  Pulliam Funeral Home, Oblong is in charge of the local arrangements.