Raymond "Gene" Lantz

Raymond “Gene” Lantz, 77, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa. He was born on July 20, 1939, in Iowa City, the son of Raymond and Geneva (Christiansen) Lantz.  Gene was raised and educated in the Gunder, Iowa, area.  He enlisted in the United States Army on April 10, 1962, and worked as a truck driver while in the service.  Gene was honorably discharged from the army on April 9, 1968.

On August 8, 1968, Gene was united in marriage to Wilma Jean Kizer in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Four children were born to this union.  The family moved back to Iowa and lived in Postville until 1978.  They then made their home in Gatesville, Texas until 1985.   They returned to Iowa in 1985 and resided in Wadena.  In 1995, they returned to Texas.  Wilma passed away on September 7, 1998.  Soon after Wilma’s death, Gene moved back to Iowa. 

During his working years, Gene owned his own service station in Texas working as a mechanic and also worked as a truck driver.  Gene enjoyed music and played in several bands. He was the lead guitarist for Stella Parton and also played for Gary Willie and his Countrymen.  Gene liked fishing, traveling, and singing with his karaoke friends.  He dearly loved his family and spending time with them.

Survivors include his four children, Raymond Gene (Teresa) Lantz, Jr. of Moody, Texas, Kenneth Eugene (Veronica) Arrington of Gatesville, Texas, Barb (Terry) Thein of Hawkeye, Iowa, and Sandra Kay (Kurt) Robbins of Strawberry Point; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wilma; a grandson, Earl Smith, Jr.; a granddaughter, Sherry Lynn Willis; a great-grandson, Daniel Willis; and his special friend, Bea Johanson.

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