WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Janie E. Lantz, age 77, of LaGrange, passed away Wednesday morning, October 4, 2023 at Lutheran Villages in Kendallville, Indiana.
She was born August 21, 1946 in Forrest City, Arkansas, daughter of the late Jack and Jewel (Burkett) Smith.
Janie resided in Goshen, most of her adult life. Her early life was spent in Arkansas until her family moved to Michigan when she in the second grade. She was a graduate of Three Rivers High School with the class of 1964.
On July 26, 1975 she married Floyd D. “Chip” Lantz in Three Rivers. They were married 42 years, until his death in 2017.
Janie worked at Harding’s Market while in high school, owned and operated Interiors by Lantz (sewing) in Elkhart. After selling the business, she worked at Hy-Line Enterprises and Bernina Sewing Center.
Janie attended New Beginnings Church in Sturgis. She was a devoted mother and granny who enjoyed preparing large family dinners, sewing, knitting or crocheting things for her family. When she wasn’t with family, Janie liked to watch murder mysteries and game shows, doing word searches, and playing games on her iPad or phone. She was an avid traveler and loved to go on cruises.
She is survived by her daughters: Debra (Lee) Evans of Wolcottville, Indiana and Heidi Sisco of Laotto, Indiana, Diana Lantz of Ligonier, Indiana and Linda Thomas of Bristol, Indiana; sons: Roger Lantz of Mesa, Arizona, Danny (Janet) Lantz of Syracuse, Indiana, Charles Lantz of Shelbyville, Indiana and Michael (Melissa) Lantz of Goshen, Indiana; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son-in-law: Ron Sisco; daughter: Charlotte Begley; brothers: J.W. Smith and Jack Kenneth Smith; sisters: Blanche Parr and Violet Quinn; nephews: Bobby Parr, Bruce Smith and David Quinn and niece: Helen Wanda Carter.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, October 6th, at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis where funeral services celebrating the life of Janie Lantz will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 7th. The Rev. Randy Evans of the New Beginnings Church in Sturgis will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at the Pretty Prairie Cemetery in Howe, Indiana.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Lantz’s memory consider the New Beginning Church, 63022 M-66, Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
