Joseph "Joe" Michael Jantze age 76 of Normal, Illinois, formerly of Milford, passed away Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at his residence. Joe was born Oct. 23, 1947, Lincoln, the son of Lee and Lola (Eicher) Jantze.
He went to school in Milford and graduated from Milford High School in 1965.. He graduated from Hesston College and later the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He received his master's degree in business administration from Illinois State University in Normal. He married Mary Colter on March 26, 1972, in Normal. He was a member of the Normal Kiwanis Club and the Mennonite Church of Normal. He had volunteered for Project Oz and Joy Care/Job Partnership.
Joe's work was his legacy. He had a strong work ethic and had a love for service to others. Joe held multiple management positions, music store, motels and convenience stores. He taught various business courses at Pekin Federal Prison and courses to college-level students. He last worked at Meijer Convenience Store, Normal. Mary and Joe enjoyed attending Illinois State University athletic events.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; a brother, Larry (June) Jantze, Ellendale, North Dakota; two sisters, Marilyn Eberspacher, Milford, and Sherry (Ken) Fougeron, Lincoln; brother-in-law, David (Wilma) Colter, Hopedale, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jackie Lee and Maurice (Alberta) Jantze; and brother-in-law, Ron Eberspacher.
The graveside service was Aug. 28 at the Mennonite Church of Normal Ropp Cemetery, Normal. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude's Children Hospital Peoria Affiliate, The Kidney Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, Illinois.
