Gerald Jantz

Gerald Lee Jantz, 72, died peacefully in his house in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, on September 2nd, 2019. Gerald (Jerry) was born in Dodge City, Kansas on March 21, 1947, to Willie (Bill) and Vera Jantz. He was the oldest of three children, and spent his childhood living on a farm in Copeland, Kansas, where he developed his ceaseless work ethic. Jerry graduated from Copeland High School in 1964, and then moved to Hays Kansas, where he graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a degree in math in 1970. He then pursued a PhD. at the Joint University of Denver/Iliff Shcool of Theology, where he graduated with a degree in philosophy and religions studies in 1985 . On June 10, 1972, Gerald married Janna Badenhop in Kensington, Kansas. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Colorado where they had two sons, Derek and Nolan. Jerry and Janna also unofficially adopted Marla Badenhop (Janna’s younger sister), and cared for her as their own. Gerald was a proud father who, among other things, graced his children with a love for the Denver Broncos. Mr. Jantz had a natural talent for engineering, and after moving to Colorado in 1971, he found a job in construction at a company, Natkin, in Englewood Colorado. It was there that he developed his management skills, and before long he managed construction on large projects such as the Denver International Airport. Although he was very successful in his career as an engineer, Jerry’s true passion lay in his pursuit of the soul. His love of philosophy and religion became the cornerstone of his adult life, and he passionately taught religious study classes at St Philip Lutheran Church in Littleton, Colorado. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge, and always spoke fondly of the time he spent with his students in class. It was in one of these classes where he met his second wife, Donna Lewandowski, whom he married on June 13th, 2009, in Morrison Colorado. Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Vera, and brother Ron, as well as his wife, Donna, and three children, Marla, Derek, and Nolan. He will also be missed by his four grandchildren, Baden, Maggie, Eisley, and Aurora. Leading the path for Jerry will be his father Bill, and sister Sharon.