Kenneth "Famous" Schantz

Kenneth Arthur Schantz (“Famous” to those who knew him well), passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family at the age of 84.

A celebration of his life will be held from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, on August 15, 2026 at the Crofton City Auditorium in Crofton, Nebraska. Burial will take place at a later date at the Arlington Cemetery in Moville, Iowa.

Ken was born on April 1, 1942, in Beemer, Nebraska, to Rueben Chris Schantz and Margaret Fannie (Oswald) Schantz and was raised with an unwavering love for family. On April 1, 1972, Ken married the love of his life, Carolyn Schantz. Together they built a beautiful life over 54 years of marriage, rooted in faithfulness, laughter, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Their marriage was a testament to commitment through every joy and every challenge, and together they created a beautiful blended family that became their greatest pride and joy.

For 46 years, Ken worked as an over the road truck driver, spending countless hours on the road away from his family and wife to provide for those he loved. It was never just a job to him; it was in his blood, his way of caring and providing for his family. His work ethic was unmatched, and his quiet dedication spoke volumes about the kind of man he was.

To know Ken was to know kindness. He had one of the gentlest hearts, the most beautiful piercing blue eyes, an incredible sense of humor, and an unwavering patience that made everyone around him feel at ease. He was quick with a smile and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was never one to seek attention or praise; instead, he lived a life of quiet integrity, showing his love through providing for his wife and children.

Ken deeply loved his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. His greatest legacy is not found in the miles he drove, but in the love, strength, and values he instilled in those who called him Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa.

Ken will be forever lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 54 years, Carolyn; his children: Pamela Sherry, Shelly Tarin, Annette Schantz, Teresa Safford and her husband Paul, Rodney Schantz and his wife Tammy, and Dwayne Schantz and his wife Charity; his 18 grandchildren; and his 10 great-grandchildren, who brought him so much joy; and two sisters, Merna Recker and Liz Reuger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and Margaret Schantz; his sister, Mary LaPorte; his brother, Don Schantz; and two grandsons, Taylor Campbell and Joshua Schantz.

Although Alzheimer's gradually took much from him in his later years, it never took away the love he had already given or the remarkable life he had lived. His family chooses to remember the man before the illness; the devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful and provider, and his quiet strength and amazing smile.

As we mourn his passing, we are filled with gratitude. We are thankful for every sacrifice he made, every laugh he shared, every lesson he taught without speaking a word, and every memory that will continue to live in our hearts.

The roads he traveled as a truck driver eventually came to an end, but the path he carved through our lives will never end. His love and legacy will continue in every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild who will carry a part of him forward. He showed us all what it means to love deeply even when times are tough, work honestly, and live humbly. He was our safe place, our example, and our greatest blessing and we will miss him every day, cherish him always, and carry his love in our hearts until the day we are all together again. Until that time, thank you, Father God, for blessing us our father.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Condolences can be mailed to Carolyn Schantz, 1301 1st St., Apt. 17 in Crofton, NE 68730.