Charles “Chuck” Norman Lantz

Passed away on Jan 19, 2015
Charles was born Dec 29, 1927, in Colfax, WA, to Edward and Anna Lantz.

Upon graduating, Chuck and enlisted in the Navy following his brothers into the service. Being an excellent typist, he spent his time stationed in San Diego alternating between practicing to become a tail gunner in the B-29 and assisting the Court Marshall’s office typing up documents.

At the conclusion of WWII, Chuck returned to Washington and attended Kinman Business School in Spokane, studying as a court stenographer. He then began a career with Sears, Roebuck Co. in the credit collection department. It is there where he met his wife Marcedis (Marty). They married in 1954 at Dryden Congregational Church. Chuck and Marty moved to Walla Walla where they welcomed a son in 1955 and a daughter in 1958.

After working his way up at Sears, the family moved to Bellingham where Chuck became the credit manager. He was very active in the elementary school PTA. He was also involved in the Masonic Temple and worked his way up to Worshipful Master of the Ferndale Lodge. It was there that Chuck learned to the play the bagpipes and was an active member of the Bellingham Pipe Band.

He was transferred to Eureka, CA and then Salinas, CA where he was very active in the Salinas First Presbyterian church holding the positions of Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a member of the Salinas Highland Pipe band.  Chuck was promoted to Personnel Manager at Sears, serving in this capacity in Portland, OR and Longview, WA. In 1977 he transferred to the Sears in Pasco as the Assistant Manager, and he and Marty had resided in the Tri-Cities since.

Chuck and Marty were founding members of Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church in Richland. Chuck served as an Elder of the church and was a liaison to the Korean Presbyterian Church. They later transferred to Kennewick First Presbyterian where Chuck served on the Presbytery Budget and Corporate Affairs committee as well as being an Elder. He was also deeply involved in the youth program.

Chuck had many hobbies including wood carving, bonsai trees, woodworking, gardening, world history, as well as being avid reader. More than all of these hobbies he enjoyed the company of other people the most and was always the first to greet a new face at church. He had a spirited sense of humor which displayed itself in the untold number of pranks he pulled on his grandchildren and others. He also loved traveling with his wife, on their trips to England, Scotland, Norway, Alaska, and Hawaii.

             Chuck was a proud Grandfather to grandchildren Kelsie and Christopher and enjoyed being in their lives. He loved building things for them to play with, and he always had a magic trick or joke at hand.

             Chuck is survived by his children: Mikkel Sally Lantz; Charlene (Richard) Raunio; grandchildren: Kelsie and Christopher Raunio; sister-in-laws: Jeanette Lantz, Brenda Hoefner, and Joyce Hoefner; brother-in-law, Wayne Hoefner and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcedis Lantz; parents; brothers: William Lantz, Robert Lantz and Max Lantz; and brother-in-law, Lyle Hoefner.

            A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 23^rd, 2015 at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church; 2001 W. Kennewick Avenue. Interment will be at Colfax Cemetery in Colfax, WA. Memorial contributions may be made to the “Youth Ministries” at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church. Express your thoughts and memories on Chuck’s online Guest Book at www.einansfuneralhome.com.