Benjamin F. Fantz ( 1852-1935)

FANTZ, MCGAVACK, ROGERS, MCHOSE, HENRY, FAUCH, FAUSCH

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 18:52:46

From Nevada Evening Journal December 19, 1935 (page 3)

Fantz Funeral Service Wednesday

Funeral services for Benjamin F. Fantz, 83, well-known retired farmer and stockman, who died at his home 1120 Third street, Sunday forenoon, were held at the home Wednesday afternoon, followed by interment in the Nevada cemetery.

The service at the home was in charge of Dr. Ira Hawley of Des Moines conference superintendent of the United Brethren church, assisted by Rev. Jos. M. Kennedy, pastor of Central Presbyterian church, Nevada. In the committal service Dr. Hawley was assisted by Rev. Fred Riggs of Des Moines.

Two songs, "Rock of Ages" and "Sweet Bye and Bye," were sung by Donald and Theodore Marsh of Ames, grand-nephews of Mr. Fantz, with Mr. Armstrong as accompanist.

Other pastors representing the United Brethren church in the affairs of which the deceased had always been interested, were Rev. Eddy of York college, Nebraska, Rev. MacCanon of Webster City, and Rev. Zike of the Cambridge-Shipley churches.

Among the nearer relatives from a distance here for the funeral was the daughter, Mrs. Howard Rogers and husband of Des Moines, the brother William Fantz of New Hampton who had been here for some weeks, the sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Henry of Ames, the granddaughter Mrs. Richard Fauch and husband of Davenport and nephew, Charles Fantz of Chicago.

There were numerous other relatives and many friends here from Ames, Indianola, Dallas Center, New Hampton, Norwalk and other places.

Among the very close friends present was Fred Hahne of Webster City, editor of the Aberdeen-Angus Journal.

Benjamin F. Fantz, the fifth of 11 children, was born at West Ridge Postoffice, Bedford county, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1852 and died at his home in Nevada, December 15, 1935, having just passed the eighty-third year of his life.

In March, 1865, he came with his people to McLean county, Illinois, and there he grew to manhood, was married to Pleasant McGavack and established a home.

He united with the United Brethren church at the age of 17 and wherever he lived in later years, his interests were found with that church. In the denomination he was not a passive member, but an active member.

With his family he came to Nevada in 1899 and settled on a large stock farm adjoining the city on the west and here he lived and prospered until 1920, when the family moved into town.

The wife passed away in 1928 and the one son and one daughter had preceded her in death.

Mr. Fantz had been in failing health for several years, but had been tenderly cared for by his daughters, a sister and during the last months by a brother.

He leaves four daughters, six grandchildren, two brothers and 4 sisters.

The surviving children are Misses Isabelle and Ruth Fantz at home, Mrs. Howard Rogers of Des Moines and Mrs. Ray McHose of Nevada.

Benjamin Fantz was a man of very exceptional character and was held in the highest of esteem by the people of the community in which he had lived for over a third of a century.

Perhaps his two outstanding qualities were his dislike for dishonesty and the petty vices of life and his willingness to help others who might be more needy than himself. His charity work was wide spread, but was not known to many, other than the recipients.