Gerhard Kurt Gantz , age 92, passed away at his home in Stuart, surrounded by his family on Saturday July 15, 2017. He was born on November 14, 1924 in Dusseldorf Germany to Adolf and Helene (Kremerius) Gantz. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Elizabeth and their two children: Jeffrey (Lynn) Gantz, Erica (Gerald) Mason; three grandchildren: Toni (David) Blei-Gantz, Lucas (Cathleen Cooke) Mason, Nicole (Daniel) Weidensaul; two great grandchildren: Ramona and Eli Blei-Gantz.
Gerhard worked as an installation engineer with a German Textile company and traveled internationally. While on assignment he met the love of his life in Canada and settled down. Business potentials led him to pick-up his family, leaving behind his in-laws and move to Chicago. It was not long before his entrepreneurial spirit had him opening his own machine shop. After retirement age, he became restless and yearned for new opportunities, thus another company was started manufacturing non-magnetic tools for the medical industry.
In this time period, Gerhard was made a Mason as a member of D C Cregier Lodge #81 in Wheeling, IL. He was a past Director of the Oriental Band at Medinah Shrine. He was also a member of the Valley of Chicago Scottish Rite as well as a former Jester of Court 48.
While on a Shrine Winter Getaway, he fell in love with Florida and everything about the Florida lifestyle. This led to a decision to leave the cold Chicago winters behind and pursue Florida and all of its temptations. He and his wife, Elizabeth enjoyed boating, golfing and their pool.
A Masonic Service will be held on Friday August 11th, 2017 at Medinah Shrine Center, 550 Shriners Dr, Addison, IL 60101 at 7:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either
Shriners Hospital at www:shrinershospital.org - Chicago Unit
or Treasure Coast Hospice at www:treasurehealth.org.