Arthur Kent Jantz

Arthur K. Jantz (Kent), age 71, passed away on November 23, 2019 in Omaha, Nebraska surrounded by his family. Kent was born in Greenville, South Carolina on August 30, 1948 to Margorie L. Rutschman and Arthur R. Jantz. Though born in South Carolina, Omaha, Nebraska would be where he was raised and would call home from the age of 2. In his early years he would be a member of the Sea Scouts and learn the art of sailing.This would become his lifelong passion. As a teenager Kent loved tinkering on cars, his favorite being his baby blue 1957 Chevrolet of which he told stories of often. This love of tinkering on all things lasted his entire life. He attended Central High school in Omaha and graduated in 1966, shortly afterwards enlisting in the Navy in June of 1968. Kent was released from the Navy in January of 1970 and would go to work for Haver’s nursery in Omaha.It was while working for Haver’s planting trees at the Woodmen of the World Tower in downtown Omaha that he would meet the love of his life, Sherry Thomas.After meeting in April, they would be married a short nine months later in December of 1970, and this whirlwind romance would last an amazing 49 years. In October of 1972 Kent and Sherry would give birth to the first of two children, Christopher M. Jantz.Followed in March of 1976 by Scott M. Jantz. Kent was an amazing, loving and selfless father. After being told to cut his hair or lose hours (true story) Kent tried his hand at roofing. It was after this he started working for a local Upholstery business. This experience led to him eventually starting his own upholstery business which he would continue for nearly 42 years. There were few things in life Kent loved more than sailing as it was truly part of who he was. Owning and maintaining many sailboats throughout the years, there was no place he felt more at home and at peace than on the water with his family.It was this love of sailing which led to him being affectionately called “The Old Man of the Lake”. The only thing that rivaled his love of sailing was his love of family. Spending time with his children, and eventually grandchildren, was what truly brought joy to his life. Kent, better known to his family as grandpa, was so very proud of his grandchildren and loved them with all his heart and they all loved him dearly. Whether it was camping, sailing, swimming in the lake, being silly, or taking walks by the water spending time with Grandpa was always something special.Andrew, Emily, Sophie, Shaun and Sammy will all greatly miss him. Kent is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur R. Jantz and Margorie L. Rutschman. Kent is survived by his Wife, Sherry Jantz; children, Christopher M. Jantz (Annie), Scott M. Jantz (Sherry); grandchildren, Andrew Jantz, Emily Jantz, Sophie Jantz, Shaun Jantz and Sammy Jantz; and One Uncle Wayne Rutschman of Mound Ridge Kansas.