Vernon Andgloria Gantz

Vernon C. Gantz, age 89 of Centerville, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Bethany Village. He was born October 22, 1928, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of William Gantz and Della (Hundoble) Gantz. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his older siblings: Jeanette, Walt, Bill Jr., and Bessie.

Gloria M. Gantz, age 89 of Centerville, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Bethany Village. She was born July 4, 1929, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of James Waddell and Opal V. (Miller) Waddell. She is preceded in death by her parents.

They are survived by their daughters, Marcia L. (Richard Schafer) Gantz and Barbara L. (Steve) Brasier, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Gloria is also survived by her sister, Ellen J. Hertlein.

Vern and Gloria were married for almost 67 years, having met and married at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Linden Avenue.

Gloria grew up in Dayton and graduated from Wilbur Wright High School in 1947. She studied accounting at the University of Dayton for two years before choosing to work at the UD Guidance Center as a psychometrist from 1950 - 1956. She also worked at Bonds Men's Store and at DP&L as secretary for the testing department. After her daughters were grown, she worked as the bookkeeper at Roth Realty for 20 years. Gloria's hobbies were reading, gardening, and keeping in touch with her high school group, which met once a month for lunch.

Vern grew up in Dayton and graduated from Parker Co-op High School in 1945 at age 16. He attended night school and studied engineering at the University of Dayton for seven years. His 46-year career in the tool and die business began with Majestic Engineering, continued briefly at NCR, and then ended at Dayton Reliable Tool. He retired from Dayton Reliable Tool in 1991.

Vern served honorably as a special machinist in the US Army from March 18, 1954 - February 15, 1956. He was a member of the Masons Grand Lodge of Ohio for 65 plus years. He loved golfing in his spare time and was a member of Sugar Valley Golf Club. Vernon also enjoyed bowling and reading.

Life-long Lutherans, the Gantz's both had a strong faith. They belonged to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Both taught Sunday School, volunteered time, and participated in many activities at the church. Their first priority was spending time with family. They enjoyed travelling together and visited all US states (except Hawaii), the Virgin Islands, Mexico, and Northwest Canada. They especially enjoyed touring national parks.

Family will receive guests from 9:30-11:00 am Friday, October 12, 2018 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am also Friday at the church with Pastor James Vannoy officiating. Burial will be private at Miami Valley Memory Gardens, Centerville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 901 E. Stroop Rd, Kettering, OH 45429 or Hospice of Dayton at 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. Written condolences may be shared by visiting Vernon and Gloria's online memorial at www.NewcomerDayton.com.