Obituary of Russell Jess Lantz

(A Celebration of Life will take place October 31st 2010 at Klose Illahee Clubhouse off Enchanted Parkway in Federal Way WA. (2500 S 370th). From 4:30 to 7:30 pm.) Rusty passed of renal cancer Oct. 3rd 2010; age 81, Born to Jesse and Marie Lantz, Jackson Minn. 1928. Survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley (Clayton) Lantz, son Jess (Denice), Daughter Becky (Mike) Brandenburg, Grandsons Nathan (Amy), Michael Brandenburg, Granddaughter Lauren McDonald (Simon) and Great grandsons Russell, Rolland, and Coleman. Raised and schooled in Iowa (Depression years) Rusty developed a strong work ethic working on a variety of farms, exposed to farm equipment repair. Living in Alaska at the time of the Korean War, Rusty joined the Armed forces. He returned from Korea due to battle injuries (two Purple hearts and a Bronze star). After the war Rusty married Shirley and settled in Tacoma and attended LH Bates Voc School and earned a degree as Heavy Equipment Diesel mechanic. Went to work as a Field mechanic for Howard Cooper Equip. Co in Seattle. Returning to Tacoma in 1963, accepting a teaching position as Diesel and Heavy Equip. Instructor, Rusty retired from LH Bates 29 years later. Rusty loved & cared for family, liked people, family bike trips, a natural storyteller, writer, photographer, landscaper, and craftsman. He was active in school functions, Boy scouts, AFT Teachers union, and Unitarian church. He was always helping others. The family would like to thank the staff of Group Health Coop, St. Joseph and St. Clare Hospital, for the excellent care and compassion of Rusty. Thanks also to County line Equipment for years of support. A Celebration of Life will take place October 31st 2010 at Klose Illahee Clubhouse off Enchanted Parkway in Federal Way WA. (2500 S 370th). From 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Donations only to LH Bates Technical College scholarship fund in Rusty's name. By Jess Lantz (son) Passed away peacefully from his battle with cancer on Sunday, October 3rd, 2010. Just short of his 82nd birthday. Born to Jesse and Marie Lantz on Halloween of 1928, in Jackson Minn., Rusty was raised by his dad and relatives throughout his childhood during the Depression around Estherville Iowa. Leaving school, Rusty headed to Alaska where his Dad was and worked on the Alaska railroad in the Turnagain arm country where Rusty's famous Alaska stories originated. The Korean war started and Rusty joined the Army. While stationed at Fort Lewis, he met the love of his life, Shirley Clayton. During combat, Rusty was hit by mortar two different times in Youngchon. Each time, returning to combat, earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, and adding to his stories. Returning to Fort Lewis, he was assigned to the military police. After corresponding from Korea, Rusty reunited with Shirley and they were married on February 11, 1952. A son Jess was born in 1955, and daughter, Rebecca “Becky” was born in 1959. During the 50's and early 60's Rusty was a field Mechanic for Howard Cooper in Seattle, where he figured that with some baling wire and duct tape you can fix anything. In 1963, Rusty took a teaching position at LH Bates Vocational School in Tacoma where he taught for 26 years. Rusty taught hundreds of students who passed through the Diesel and Heavy equipment course at Bates. Rusty was active in the Boy Scouts, the AFT teachers union, Stadium High Boosters. Rusty was an avid Bicyclist and rode his bike to work as often as possible and loved the outdoors. Rusty retired in 1989, and after an RV tour of the U.S. he returned to work at County Line Equipment, where he worked until his death. Rusty is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley, son Jess, daughter-in-law Denice, daughter Becky Brandenburg and son-in-law Mike. Grandchildren Nathan Lantz, Lauren Lantz McDonald, Michael Brandenburg, Great grandchildren Russell Lantz, Rolland Lantz, and Coleman McDonald. The Family wishes to thank Group Health Cooperative, St. Joseph Hospital, and St. Clare Hospital for the care Rusty received. A Celebration of Life will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 on 10/31/10 at the Kloshe Illahee Clubhouse off Enchanted Parkway in Federal Way WA (2500 S 370th). Donations only to LH Bates Technical College scholarship fund in Rusty's name.