Merlin C. Shantz

Merlin "Mern" Shantz

November 13, 1927 – March 24, 2020

Born on November 13, 1927, in Fairview to Melvin Shantz and Reathel (Yoder) Shantz, Mern attended Fairview School and was a star basketball player. He married Georgia (Sally) Bailey on May 29, 1947 in Comins Mennonite Church where Sally was a lifelong member.

They lived for a time in the Fairview area, where he taught Sunday School at Fairview Mennonite Church, and later moved to Ocqueoc where he started Shantz Construction, working with his brother Bud to build many cottages and other buildings in the Hammond bay area. For many years, he represented Miracle Made cooking products for West Bend, setting sales records in various communities throughout Michigan.

After their four children were grown, they spent part of each year in North Port, Florida, where he was active in building projects and volunteering for their local church. He liked to travel; a highlight was a road rip to Alaska in 1995.

Mern’s winning smile, easy manner, and sharp memory made him well-known in the community and a natural historian and story-teller. He enjoyed sports, tractors, and gathering with friends old and new. Planning a garden for the spring, he passed away on a beautiful day, March 24, 2020, tinkering with his tractors and doing what he loved.

He is survived his sister, Judy Hill, his children Rodney (Sandra), Randy (Bob), Susan (Tim), and David (Denise), grandchildren Corina Akers, Craig Shantz, Allison Shantz, and Sally Jenks, great-grandchildren Gavin McCain and Cole Akers along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia, his father Melvin Shantz, mother Reathel Shantz, brother Bryce (Bud) Shantz, sisters Ann Milam and Ardith Crowell.

In accordance with Mern’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to the unusual times we live in, a celebration of his life will be scheduled for later this summer.

Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.