Calvin Adam Lantz passed away peacefully in his home October 7, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 80. Cal was born December 30, 1936 in Billings Montana and was the 2nd of 5 children born to Jerome Lantz and Gladys Hunter Lantz. Cal was raised on the family farm between Bridger and Belfry Montana.
Cal played basketball and football from 1952 to 1956 and won several State Championship titles. He played in the East/West Shrine Game in 1956 in Great Falls Montana, in which his team won. He was later offered a football scholarship at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.
Cal married Bonnie McDonald, his high school sweetheart in 1956 in Bridger. Together, they traveled around the state of Wyoming while Cal worked in the oil fields as a Rough Neck. They moved their family back to Montana when the kids reached school age.
Cal was a Master Welder, who’s talents were requested and utilized by several employers. Cal moved his family to Deer Lodge in 1971 where he was employed by the Montana Power Company as a Certified Welder and Gas Technician until he retired in 1997. After retirement, Cal and Bonnie moved to Helena where Cal worked many summers at Fox Ridge Golf Course (he could not sit still), while also meticulously managing his large garden and lawn.
Cal had enjoyed belonging to the Elks, Moose, Snowmobile Clubs, and the JC’s. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, family get-togethers and was a very proud, dedicated passionate member of the Cathedral of St Helena Catholic Church.
Cal is survived by children, Tom Lantz(Maureen) San Jose CA; Julie Burch(Dave), Helena; and Mike Lantz, Kalispell. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren; Jeremy (Julie), Adam, Mallory, Zane, Seth, Alex, Shaelyn and Blake and his four great grandchildren, Adara, Dalton, Trinity and Alayna.
He is also survived by Sister Patty Neilson, Cody WY; and Eileen (Gene) Koch, Bridger MT.
Cal was preceded in death by his Parents, his Brother Leroy, his Son Kenny and his beautiful wife of 54 years, Bonnie.
A vigil will be 6:00 p.m., Monday, October 16th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday October 17, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. A reception will immediately follow Mass, in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Please see below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Cal.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday October 16, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 17, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following Mass
Tuesday October 17, 2017
Brondel Center of Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday October 16, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 17, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following Mass
Tuesday October 17, 2017
Brondel Center of Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Bob Adams says
I worked with Cal in 1970 as his welder helper in the Graycliff area welding natural gas line for then Montana Power. He was a man of few words, but a joy to work for. My condolences to his family.
Julie Massaro says
Julie,
I’m sorry to read of the passing of your father. Keep his memory alive in your heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Love,
Julie Massaro
Becky Brown says
So sorry to hear about Cal. He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Becky Brown
Bob and Louise Thomas says
Lantz Family We were so sorry to hear of Cal’s passing. He was a
wonderful person. He and your Mother were people we were proud to call friends. Shared many good times with them. Bob & Louise Thomas
Tom and Carilyn Jenkin says
Julie,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Carilyn and I enjoyed both your mom and dad while I was the school counselor in Bridger and Belfry from 1968-1971. R. I. P. Cal. Our sincere condolences to you and the family.
Don & Kathy Favero says
To family of Calvin,
So sorry to read of Cal’s passing in the Billings Gazette this morning. Cal’s sisters and children can be proud of their brother as he was such
a nice man and visit with. Cal & I went to Belfry High School together in the 1950’s, were on the same basketball team’s and enjoyed similar
endeavors. Sure will miss seeing him at old school reunions etc. and my wife Kathy & I sent our heart felt condolences to all of you. We will keep memories of Cal & Bonnie in our prayers and in our memories of them.
Don & Kathy Favero
Diana Reichenberg says
You Mom and Dad were the first people we met when we moved to Deer Lodge. They were both great people and will be sorely missed. Your Dad was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed by friends and family. He has joined Bonnie now and will be at peace.
P. D. Dade says
Although I didn’t know my cousin Cal well growing up, he has been in my prayers through this difficult ordeal. Knowing he is at peace with the Lord should hopefully bring all of the family some respite. May your memories heal your hearts and may the Good Lord hold you all close during this painful time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam Dade (daughter of Uncle Jerome’s sister Lenore)
Bill Nicholls " five cents" says
To the Lantz family Cal and myself worked on several jobs at Montana power. we crawled in and out of many bell holes getting the job done in a craftsman like manner. Cal taught me lots of tricks of the trade and I may have taught him a few too. Can Kenny Evans and I worked hard, got the job done and played hard from time to time. Lots of good memories. I made the small Montana map for his retirement present. Bonnie and Cal had many good years together and will continue
Darin and Karen Kinsella and family says
We’re so sorry Aunt Julie and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love you!
Ed Lantz says
Cal was always a fun guy when we would visit the farm to see Aunt Gladys & Uncle Jerome. Cal always made us kids feel welcomed & made sure we had fun stuff to do. He’d saddle up the horse in the morning before we woke up so we could ride that day.
The good Lord gave Cal a great wife & family. To them I extend my heartfelt sympathy. May God bless you all & help you through this extremely difficult time.
Ed Lantz (youngest son of Cal’s uncle Adam Lantz)