Terry William Kantz, age 39, of 19089 State Highway 86, Saegertown, died Saturday, April 18, 2009 at his home after a life long struggle with muscular dystrophy. He was born in Meadville, October 26, 1969, a son of T. Edward and Darlene Mae Edge Kantz.
Kantz, Terry WilliamA lifetime resident of Woodcock Township, he graduated from Saegertown High School with honors in 1989.
Terry was an avid sports fan. His favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys, L.A. Lakers, L.A. Dodgers, Georgetown Hoyas, and the Georgia Bulldogs. He spent many an hour cheering for his teams. Many in the community knew him for his positive outlook on life in spite of being wheelchair bound due to muscular dystrophy. His life was thought to be extended by the constant and excellent care of his “angel” mother, Darlene.
He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Drakes Mills.
Survivors include his parents, a sister – Tami Simonowich and her husband, Joseph of Seaboard, NC; a brother – Todd Kantz and wife, Ann of Conneaut Lake; his maternal grandmother – Ida Edge of Blooming Valley; a niece – Emily Kantz; and four nephews – Justin Kantz and Blake, Logan and Spencer Simonowich; special caregivers – Gail Bean and Bunny Coy; and many special aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents – Albert Edge, Orville and Peg Kantz.
Calling hours will be Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs with an additional hour before the funeral service which will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Officiating will be Rev. Donald Gordon, pastor of the Woodcock Presbyterian Church, assisted by Rev. Elsa Clark, pastor of the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Blooming Valley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2819 West 21st Street, Suite 12, Erie, PA 16506, or to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25812 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403.