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.
A 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.
Darlene and Ed………. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Son, Terry.
My Love and Sympathy to you and your Family………. Sue
I was a classmate of Terry’s and was saddened when i heard of his passing. My heart and prayers are with your family as you go through this difficult time. I remember Terry as always being cheerful and nice to everyone he met. He was an inspiration to many of us throughout our school days. God bless!
To all the Kantz family, our hearts and prayers go out to you. The several times over the years we were fortunate enough to see Terry and the family, we know what a shining light and inspiration he has been to all. We feel blessed to have known him. We will continue to hold you in our prayers in the days ahead. All our love…
I was sorry to hear about Terry. I remember hiim as the sweet, chubby faced little boy that loved to tease and play. Know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. My parents (Ed and Shirley Taylor) were sad to hear also.
Terry and I were in the class of 89″ together, and I do remember him for his upbeat attitude and his avid love of the Dallas Cowboys. He was one of the sweetest people and his mother was a blessing, coming to class with Terry and taking care of his needs. My heart and prayers go out to your family. God Bless.
Darlene, Ed, Tami and Todd,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time of loss.
Glenda