Montezuma – Our father, Ervin Jantz, was born to Ben and Emelia (Schmidt) Jantz on October 2, 1934 in Chickasha, Oklahoma.  He peacefully left this life on April 8, 2025 at Bethel Home in Montezuma, Kansas

Dad spent his childhood and youth with his two older brothers and eight older sisters on the family farm near Verden, Oklahoma.  He gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on March 3, 1946 at Chickasha, Oklahoma.  He remained faithful to the Lord and the church to the end of his life.

Dad married our mother, Verna June Koehn, from Goltry, Oklahoma, on October 23, 1955.  Shortly after their wedding, Dad took his bride to Roseburg, Oregon to complete his term of 1-W service. This began their life of service and making life-long friends. Three children were born to this union. A dark time in Dad's life was the tragic death of their daughter, Deanna.

His lifelong passion was mission work, which took them to many places around the world. Dad enjoyed sharing his many varied stories from experiences they had living in diverse cultures. Dad loved the Word of God. We have memories of daily family devotions and also know how he enjoyed a spiritual discussion. The years spent in the Navajo land, as they raised their family, are especially meaningful to us children.

Dad was a talented hardworking and disciplined man.  He sacrificed himself for his family many times which provided a real security for us; an underlying steady hum.  Some of the things that gave Dad joy in life were fishing, woodworking, gardening, canning, and working in the kitchen. We have fond memories of his Sunday night lunch pea salad. Dad led songs in church for many years. On long road trips, he would sing song after song, by memory.  We loved being with our generous and gracious dad.

The final years of mission outreach included about 10 years of wonderful life in Goshen, Indiana, helping to establish a new congregation there. Their last move together was to DeRidder, Louisiana to live near his daughter and family. Many lasting memories were made in the Deep South with children, grandchildren, and the Southern Magnolia congregation. Mother passed away in March of 2021, leaving him lonely.  Dad totally embraced his move to Bethel Home one year later.  We are grateful for the loving care he received there.

Survivors include his two children, a son, Greg and wife Janet of Grand View, Idaho; a daughter, Cindy and Roger Smith of DeRidder, Louisiana; son-in-law, Elton and wife Celia Koehn; nine grandchildren and their spouses; 26 great grandchildren; two siblings, Elizabeth Crawford of Norman, Oklahoma and Pauline Decker of Halstead, Kansas; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, Donald Koehn, Gladwin Koehn and wife Judy, Franklin Koehn and wife Sondra, and Dennis Koehn and wife Carlotta; and a sister-in-law, Frances Koehn. Preceding him in death were his wife; parents; parents-in-law; a daughter, Deanna; one great granddaughter; eight siblings; and 15 brothers and sisters-in laws.

Funeral service will be held at Southern Magnolia Mennonite Church, DeRidder, Louisiana on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at the Southern Magnolia Cemetery.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.