Donald Lantz, 93
Donald C. Lantz, 93, Stanton, passed away on Aug. 13, 2026, at Arlington Place at Red Oak.
Donald Clarke Lantz, the youngest child of Arthur Edward Victorius and Hazel Esther Victoria Lindquist Lantz, was born at home on the farm on Jan. 3, 1933, in Stanton. Donald was raised on a farm south of Stanton where he lived his entire life, attended Spring Valley country school, and graduated from Stanton High School in 1950 where he played in the band. After graduation, he began farming with his father and brothers, Merrill and Clifford. Donald met Carolyn M. Almquist at a dance in Red Oak and on March 26, 1955, they were united in marriage at the First Covenant Church in Red Oak. Together, they managed the family farm, raised three boys who married lovely wives, and were married for over 71 years.
Donald farmed his entire life, initially, with his father and brothers and, for the last 25 years, with Jeff Allen. He loved being outside on the farm with one of his many dogs where he raised cattle, hogs, corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. He was a member of Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Stanton, singing in the choir for 25 years and serving on the church council. He was a member of the “Stantones” during the Stanton Centennial in 1970 and sang at many events and locations throughout southwest Iowa. He served on the Iowa Vocational Education Advisory Council. Although farming was always his favorite, in his later years, Donald enjoyed senior golf, caning chairs, refinishing furniture, and driving his Farmall 200 in area parades. With Carolyn at his side, they danced on Sunday nights at Minden, Iowa, went on Neihart Bus Tours all over the United States, and spent winters in Florida for over 20 years and Arizona for three years. Donald enjoyed conversing with others – telling stories, laughing, and taking the opposite point of view just for fun and debate. He loved music, whistling, Ford automobiles, International Harvester tractors, wearing his farm caps with a “tilt”, and playing cards – especially cribbage with his three boys. He was very proud of his Swedish heritage and sang “Sköna Maj” in Stanton for over 70 years.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen (Dr. Ralph) Beasom of Los Angeles, Calif.; brothers, Clifford (Marjorie) Lantz and Merrill (Alice) Lantz.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn M. Lantz of Stanton; three sons, Brian (Kari) Lantz of Lytton; David (Sandy) Lantz of Larchwood; and Jason (Patty) Lantz of Mesa, Ariz.; nine grandchildren, Katie (John B) Conger, Kelly (Dustin) Cleckler, Brenna (Dirk) Homewood, Micah Lantz, Dana (Kyle) Peterzalek, Darin (Anna) Lantz, Cailey (Kyle) Dierking, Spencer (Breanna) Lantz, and Stacy Lantz: 20 great-grandchildren, JB, Lantz, Jackson; Jack, Rylee; Jacey, Ella, Todd, Ike, Dash; Camden, Cora, Brooks; Grant, Drew, Gavin; Hudson, Nora, Tatum; and Greyson; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Stanton with Pastor Leland Lantz officiating. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church.
Memorials may be directed to Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton’s Swedish Heritage and Cultural Center, or the Stanton Fire Department.
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Donald’s body was donated to the Anatomical Board of the State of Nebraska’s Deeded Body.