MONTEZUMA - Rick Jantz, 34, died December 17, 2017 in Independence.  He was born on July 30, 1983 in Dodge City, the son of Burl and Shelley (Reid) Jantz.

Rick graduated from South Gray High School in Montezuma in 2001.  He later enlisted in the United States Army in 2007.  After his discharge, Rick returned to school, graduating from Cleveland Chiropractic College of Kansas City in 2016. He enjoyed hunting and was an avid Denver Broncos fan.  His greatest love was for his daughter, Penelope.  Rick's smile and sense of humor will be missed by his friends and family.

Rick is survived by his daughter, Penelope Jantz of Strong City; his parents, Burl Jantz of Montezuma and Shelley Jantz of Twin Falls, Idaho; sister, Kasey Phillips and husband James of Dodge City; brother, Sean Jantz and wife Megan of Twin Falls, Idaho; grandmother, Norma Jantz of Montezuma; two nieces, Elyott Phillips and Juliet Jantz; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Ivan Jantz and grandmother, Joyce Thompson.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Friday December 22, 2017 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Tim Erikson presiding.  Burial will follow at Homeland Mennonite Cemetery in Montezuma.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Thursday December 21, 2017 from noon to 8:00PM with the family receiving friends from 5-7 PM.  Memorials are suggested to the Ford County Humane Society in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.