Blanche I. Lantz

Blanche Irene Lantz, 90, of Felch, peacefully joined her husband and two sons in their eternal lives on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Optalis Health and Rehabilitation of Kingsford. Blanche was born October 12, 1932 in Wells Township to the late Hessie and Lillian (Monhead) Gillespie. She lost her mother to a car accident at the age of 12 and there started her selfless life of caring for others when she stepped into a parenting role to siblings. She married Roy Edward Lantz on December 17, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church in Felch (Metropolitan). They shared 48 beautiful years and built a wonderful life in both Felch and Norway Lake. Blanche was an amazing mother to not only her children, but a mother-figure to many other children over the years. She babysat countless family and community babies and children and had a famous knack for soothing those babies into sleep every time she held them. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with all of her grandbabies with whom she was so proud. In earlier years she worked for several potato farms during harvest season and was a waitress and bartender at various restaurants such as Kay’s Kitchen, Northland Bar, Hunter’s Bar and Solberg's. She had many other odd jobs and was truly a jill of all trades who worked hard her entire life to make sure her family did not go without. Blanche could be reserved, but humorous, was a protector at all costs and had many hobbies that always kept her moving and on the go. She enjoyed reading, ceramics, gardening, taking walks, church functions, and the Packers, but her one great love was her family. She made all get-togethers big or small so very special. She never let her family or friends go hungry and there was always something mouthwatering to be found in her kitchen. Her home was open to absolutely everyone. Her faith, Zion Lutheran Church and her church family were very important to her. Roy and Blanche together instilled their faith into their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family will always think back fondly on her head-tipped smiles and joyful laugh. Her heart was spun of pure gold. She may not have lived large, but she loved large and showed that through her life of providing for others. She loved many and was loved by many and that legacy of love will continue to follow her through her family. She is survived by her children, Patricia (Philip) Keyes of Baraga, Pamela (James) Miller of Breitung Township, Diane (Dennis) Steinbeck of Quinnesec and Tanya Vincent (Ted Gaura) of Suamico, WI (son Anthony’s daughter raised by Roy and Blanche), sister Ella Hiissala of Marquette, 3 brothers in law Herbie (Carol) Lantz of Norway Lake, Don Lantz of Pickerel Lake and Bill Rae of Cornell. 7 grandchildren Tanya Vincent, Rebecca Keyes and Thaddeus Keyes, Jaime Lippens and Jeffrey Miller, Taralyn (Coley) Judy and Scott Steinbeck, 11 great grandchildren Nathan, Serena, Jenna, Tregan, Kedria, Zadien, Kalee, Kaden, Kamden, Karson and Keira and many nieces and nephews, other family members and special friends. Along with her parents and husband Roy, Blanche was preceded in death by two sons, Anthony Roy Lantz and stillborn son Curtis, brothers Herb, Willis, Jack, Ray and John Gillespie, sisters Stella Ark and Victoria Rae and many brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, other family members and special friends. Blanche’s family would like to thank Dr. Jacobs, all Optalis Health and Rehabilitation staff and especially “her favorite girls” for taking such excellent care of her over the years. Thanks also go out to Zion Lutheran Church, Rev. Lee Liverance and Women of Zion for all of the support and Matt Nash at Erickson-Rochon and Nash for making planning during our family’s time of grief so easy. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 17th at Zion Lutheran Church in Felch. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Lee Liverance will officiate. The Women of Zion and family would like to extend a welcome to a luncheon to follow the service. Burial will follow the luncheon in the Felch Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Blanche Irene Lantz at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with arrangements.

Blanche I. Lantz

October 12, 1932 - July 12, 2023