William Kanz

William S. ' Bill' Kanz, 76, of Mansfield, died early Monday morning, January 24, 2005 at his home after an extended illness. Born August 28, 1928, in Mansfield, he was the son of William and Anna Hetler Kanz. Bill retired after 27 years of service as a truck driver with Bender and Loudon Motor Freight. He attended St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was a member of A.A.R.P., V.F.W. Post #9943, Past Post Commander and Canteen Manager, and Teamsters Union Local #40. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1950-1952. He especially enjoyed meeting his buddies at Porky's Drive In daily for their 'coffee club'. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shirley Kanz; daughter, Kathy Scott Kleman of Mansfield; two sons, Bill Pam Kanz of Greenwich and John Teri Kanz of Mansfield; five grandchildren, Nicole, Zachary, Rachel, Rebecca, and Matthew; nine step grandchildren, Nick, Ryan, Seth, Luke, Denae, Douglas, Bronson, Kylee and Colton; three step great-grandchildren, Ethan, Iris and Ryley; four brothers, Leo Kanz of Missouri, Dave Kanz of Toledo, Albert Kanz and Ronald Kanz, both of Mansfield; three sisters, Francis Fortney and Martha Kleman, both of Shelby and Caroline Thompson of Mansfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Richard and Robert Kanz.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, Thursday, January 27 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2005, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Mansfield, officiated by Father Michael Zacharias. Military graveside services conducted by Richland County Joint Veteran's Council will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or St. Mary's School.