Lillian Rantz
November 7th, 1928 - June 30th, 2025
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Lillian's Obituary
Mrs. Lillian Clara Rantz, age 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025 in St. Joseph.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Tuesday, July 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, 49085. A private burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lillian’s memory may be made to Gentiva Hospice. Please feel free to sign Lillian’s online guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Lillian was born on November 7, 1928 to Joseph and Minnie (Stennecke) Bernotas in Grand Junction, MI. She attended Benton Harbor High School and worked at LECO for many years before retiring. On April 17, 1948, Lillian married Elmer Rantz and the two shared 66 wonderful years of marriage before Elmer passed away in 2014.
Lillian and Elmer raised their two children, Linda and Brian, in St. Joseph and Lillian stayed busy while they were attending Brown Elementary School. She volunteered for various school functions, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and helped start the library at the school. Lillian also enjoyed crafting and made Barbie doll clothes for the neighborhood kids and was gifted at cross-stitching, sewing, and quilting. Lillian and Elmer spent many winters in Florida and enjoyed playing bingo together.
Lillian is survived by her children, Linda (Daryl) McDonald and Brian Rantz; grandchildren, Scott (Mandy) McDonald and Kim (Matt) Shermak; great-grandson, Henry Shermak, and friend and caregiver, Linda Butler. Along with her husband, Elmer, Lillian was also preceded in death by her great-grandson, Wylder McDonald, and her parents.
Lillian’s family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to the kind and compassionate staff at Woodland Terrace of St. Joseph and Gentiva Hospice for all the wonderful care Lillian received.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Tuesday, July 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, 49085. A private burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lillian’s memory may be made to Gentiva Hospice. Please feel free to sign Lillian’s online guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Lillian was born on November 7, 1928 to Joseph and Minnie (Stennecke) Bernotas in Grand Junction, MI. She attended Benton Harbor High School and worked at LECO for many years before retiring. On April 17, 1948, Lillian married Elmer Rantz and the two shared 66 wonderful years of marriage before Elmer passed away in 2014.
Lillian and Elmer raised their two children, Linda and Brian, in St. Joseph and Lillian stayed busy while they were attending Brown Elementary School. She volunteered for various school functions, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and helped start the library at the school. Lillian also enjoyed crafting and made Barbie doll clothes for the neighborhood kids and was gifted at cross-stitching, sewing, and quilting. Lillian and Elmer spent many winters in Florida and enjoyed playing bingo together.
Lillian is survived by her children, Linda (Daryl) McDonald and Brian Rantz; grandchildren, Scott (Mandy) McDonald and Kim (Matt) Shermak; great-grandson, Henry Shermak, and friend and caregiver, Linda Butler. Along with her husband, Elmer, Lillian was also preceded in death by her great-grandson, Wylder McDonald, and her parents.
Lillian’s family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to the kind and compassionate staff at Woodland Terrace of St. Joseph and Gentiva Hospice for all the wonderful care Lillian received.
Memorial Contributions
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.