Gordon passed away, Monday, October 30, 2023, at his home in Plainwell, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born January 12, 1934 in Comstock, the son of Gerald and Adelaide (Janke) Rantz. Gordon proudly served his country in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. For many years Gordon worked around the clock as the owner and operator of Timber Ridge Ski Area.
He loved spending his days and usually his nights doing whatever needed to be done to make things run smooth. Although he loved to work, Gordon was happiest when spending his down time surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On New Year’s Day in 1956 at the Plainwell Methodist Church he married Mary Jane Robinson who survives.
Also surviving are his children, David (Linda) Rantz and Amy (Luke) Schrab; 5 grandchildren, Megan (Jeff) Gose, Stephanie (Kyle) Koster, Jill (David) Jackson, Lauren Fuller and Alyssa Fuller; 6 great-grandchildren with another due soon; brother, Roger (Joanne) Rantz along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Gene, Charlotte and Delores.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place.
A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held in the spring.
Contributions in memory of Gordon may be made to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Mary Schuiteboer
Steve and I extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We send prayers of comfort and peace. You all have wonderful memories to hold in your hearts. Steve and Mary Schuiteboer
Tom and Mary Fischer
The loss of Gordy is a loss to many He touched so many thru his dedication to wintergun and happiness to many families andalllocal ski enthusiasts My heart goes out to Gordies family
Tom,Mary,Caillin , Courtney Fischer.
Susan knapp
Dave sorry for your loss ♥️
Harold Steffey
Sorry for your loss, Dave
Mrs. Jim Hewitt (Patti Khodl former nurse at Pipp)
To the family,
May cherished memories bring you moments of comfort.
(For Dave, I do not know the other members of your family, but I can’t help but notice the strong resemblance you have of your dad.) Am sure he was always very proud of you and how you serve others.
Shirley Brown
Dave, Linda and family so sorry to hear of your loss. Your in my thoughts and prays. Shirley Brown
Carolyn Jordan (Class of 1977)
My prayers are being lifted up for you all.
Sandy Scott
Mary Jane & Family, I am so sorry you have lost your Husband & Father. He is home now with his Father. I still think about the funny times we had at the credit union when you worked there. No one else has ever called me to come in to deposit because I was going to bounce a check. Take care. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Sandy (Town) Scott
Bill and Karen
Dave, Linda and the entire Rantz family… Our deepest sympathies at your loss. We’re thinking of you and holding you in our hearts at this sad time. Love, Bill and Karen
Tony Shumaker
Prayers for your family Peachy.
Bob Pickett
Dave and Rantz family so sorry for your loss.
Tony & Amy Predum
Our condolences to the entire family, So sorry for your loss.
Brian & Laura Arehart
Dave and family, sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing.
Jerry and Marilyn Fenner
Mary Jane and Family. Sorry to hear of your loss. Gordy was a very talented man. We were classmates at PHS class of 1952 and I shared a birthday date with Gordy 1/ 12 /193 4.
William Wittliff Sr
He was tough as nails but also the kindest and most gentle man you could ever meet. We will all deeply miss him. My sincerest sympathies to Mary Jane, Amy, Dave, and family. I love you all.
Deborah Pedersen
Dave, Linda and your family, We are sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Debbie
Lisa Rasnake
My deepest condolences to the entire Rantz family. Gordy was an amazing man . You all are in my prayers ❤️
Frank Post
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gordon Rantz. I hope that the cherished memories of his life bring comfort and solace during this difficult time.
Thomas Davidson
My sincere condolences to the whole Rantz family. Rest easy Gord, thank you for creating one of my favorite places to spend time with friends and family.
With love and respect,
Thom
Krissa Kirby
Keeping the Rantz family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Wishing you all hope and healing as you mourn the loss of such an epic man. RIP Gordon!
Harrison
Deepest sympathy to the Rantz family.
Ritch and Sue Harrison
Toni (Ellard) Moore
MaryJane,David,Amy my sincere condolences in the passing of a wonderful husband and father. May your memories bring you peace and comfort in the days to come.
Frank & Pat Perry Family
Sincere Condolences to David,Amy , Mary Jane and Family many good memories for me and my Family at the Ridge, Thanks Gordy RIP
Vickilee Danhoff Miller
Sorry to hear of this loss for the Rantz family and the whole Plainwell community. Many memories were made at Timber Ridge!
David Rantz
To everyone that sent in a condolence to our family it absolutely means the world to us thank you from the bottom of our hearts we love you all. Dave R.