Robert Walter Jantzi

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-293755

Notes:

Lifetimes: Robert Jantzi overcame adversity to pursue passions

By Valerie HillSpecial to the Record

If there was a recurring theme in Robert Jantzi's life it was trees: that bit of nature that inspired a career and led to a catastrophic injury.

An arborist, Robert worked for the City of Hamilton in 1986 when he was trimming a tree and fell six metres, breaking both femurs and suffering several lacerations. Robert's career with the city ended that day, and he would spend the rest of his life suffering debilitating pain, mostly confined to a wheelchair though he kept right on planting trees on borrowed land in Wellesley.

"He would sit on the ground and slide around doing things (planting)," said his sister Joyce Bauman. "He didn't let it stop him."

Robert was born April 6, 1948, one of four children of Walter and Mary Jantzi. Walter and his father ran the feed mill in Wellesley and eventually sold the business. After operating for 150 years as a feed mill, the building today houses a furniture restoration company run by Lucy Pearlle. Robert would be pleased, given his interest in protecting and celebrating the past and his interest in old mills. Following his accident, along with his wife Joyce Jantzi, he would visit many locations as a member of the Timber Framers Guild of North America and the Friends of Ohio Barns.

Niece, Chrissy Arjune, runs CrowsFoot Garden, a chemical-free market garden in Elmira. Her uncle had been an inspiration given his "strong knowledge of history." He understood how things were done during his Mennonite ancestor's farming days.

"He was interested in old farming techniques," she said. "He had lots of passions and a lot that he pursued."

Among those passions was architecture. According to his sister, Robert was always coming up with innovative building ideas. He also loved photography, particularly nature. From the time he was a boy, Robert would be wandering in the bush, likely looking up at the trees.

Robert's wife, Joyce, was related to the Jantzi family through an uncle's marriage and had run into him a few times. She remembers when her parents were selling their Dunnville farm, and Robert showed up for the auction.

"He liked a sale," she said.

At the time, Robert, a graduate of Niagara College's horticultural program, worked as a draftsman for a Toronto landscaping company. They married on Jan, 1. 1977, and set up their home in Hamilton. Robert was laid off a year later but managed to find contract work with the City of Hamilton, work that eventually led to a full-time job.

Eager to increase his knowledge of horticulture, Robert completed two 10-week winter courses in horticulture at Rutgers University in New Jersey. His wife remembers driving her husband around a subdivision near the university in the winter of 1983, Robert randomly knocking on doors asking if there were any rooms for rent. Surprisingly, he found one with the Pawson family and ended up not only staying with the family for both semesters but becoming lifelong friends.

In Hamilton, much of Robert's work involved caring for the trees in the city's golf courses, which is where he was when he tumbled from the tree on that bitterly cold January day.

Robert would spend the next year and a half in hospital, struggling to let his legs heal and developing the bone infection, osteomyelitis. He never complained.

"He was in casts for so long, the knees didn't bend anymore," said his wife. "The right leg was really bad."

His wife said Robert did slip into depression at the beginning and was afraid to leave the hospital at first but learned to change his bandages with Joyce helping when she returned from her office job.

Eventually, he clawed his way back to happiness, and the two established a life together, one where they would travel by car or on bus tours, visiting old barns and mills, mainly in the U.S. and Ontario. The couple, who didn't have children, would also attend conventions where disability products were showcased. He was particularly interested in the latest developments in wheelchairs. He did have some mobility when he walked with crutches.

"He handled it all pretty good," said his wife.

Robert's health started to deteriorate recently, and a checkup revealed a problem: Robert had adrenal cancer and breathing issues. He was hospitalized for more than a month and eventually developed COVID-19. After being moved to a COVID hospital ward, Joyce never saw him again. Robert died on May 5, 2021.

A man of great faith, Joyce said, "he didn't want to live anymore; he was ready to go."

Freelance writer Valerie Hill is a former Record reporter. She can be reached by email at vmhill296@gmail.com

"Lifetimes: Robert Jantzi Overcame Adversity To Pursue Passions". 2021. Therecord.Com. https://www.therecord.com/life/2021/07/19/lifetimes-robert-jantzi-overcame-adversity-to-pursue-passions.html.

Robert married Joyce Eileen Stengel [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-293756

Walter — Mary Margaret Roth. Mary (daughter of John S. Roth and Hattie Gingerich) was born May 1926; died 8 May 2014, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Saint Pauls Lutheran Church, Wellesley Village, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Margaret Jantzi
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-295476

Notes:

JANTZI, Mary M. (nee Roth) Peacefully at Nithview Home in New Hamburg on Thursday, May 8, 2014, Mary, formerly of Wellesley, in her 88th year. Daughter of the late John S. Roth and Hettie Gingrich. Beloved wife of the late Walter N. Jantzi (1995) whom together owned and operated the Wellesley Feed Mill. She was a talented seamstress who sewed for many as well as making beautiful quilts. Loving mother of Robert Jantzi (Joyce) of Hamilton, Bruce Jantzi of New Hamburg, the late Paul Jantzi and Joyce Bauman (Lloyd) of Bognor. Dear grandmother of Rebecca Bauman (Nicholas), Christina Arjune (Kevon), Robin Jantzi, Shawn Jantzi and great-grandmother of Silas, Selema, Freda, Kalvin, Mary, Adam and Lewis. She will be sadly missed by her sisters; Shirley Young (Robert), Pearl Young (Joseph), sisters-in-law; Fern Roth, Mildred Roth and brother-in-law Paul Fehrman (Linda). Predeceased by her brothers; Francis, Earl and sister Marjorie Fehrman. Friends may call at 1st St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 3620 Nafziger Road, Wellesley on Friday from 7-9 p.m. and on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 1 p.m. till time of funeral service at 2 p.m. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Pastor Andy Schroth officiating. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to 1st St. Paul's Church or the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Futher-Franklin Funeral Home, Wellesley. www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com


Jantzi, Mary. 1926. "Mary Margaret Jantzi - View Obituary & Service Information". Mary Margaret Jantzi Obituary. https://www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Mary-Jantzi/#!/Obituary.

Other Events:

• Business: Jantzi Seed Mill
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37660280
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80137
• Residence: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

JANTZI, Jonathan Z. - At St. Mary's Hospital, Saturday, July 29, 1972, Jonathan Z. Jantzi, age 79, of 86 Queen St. East, Wellesley, member of the Maple View Mennonite Church, owned and operated Jantzi Seed Mill until his retirement on January 1, 1965, beloved husband of Nancy Gingerich, father of Walter of Wellesley, brother of Samuel of Lawville, N.Y., and Nancy (Mrs. Joseph Schlegel) of Wellesley. Also survived by four grandchildren. Predeceased by one sister.

Resting at the Futher Funeral Home, Wellesley from till 4 p.m. and 7 till 9 p.m Monday. Services at the Maple View Mennonite Church, Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. Burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Alvin Leis officiating.

Donations to the Western Ontario Mennonite Mission Board or the Canadian Diabetic Association would be appreciated by the family.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 31 Jul 1972, Mon Page 19

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In Loving Memory [verse] In Memory Of Jonathan Z. Jantzi Beloved husband of Nancy Gingerich Born November 30th, 1892 Died July 29th, 1972 Aged 79 years, 6 months and 29 days The Service The late Mr. Jantzi is resting at the Futher Brothers Funeral Home, Wellesley, until noon Tuesday, August 1st, 1972 when removal will be made to Maple View Mennonite Church for the service at 2:30 o'clock. Officiating Clergymen Rev. Alvin Leis and Rev. Jacob Roes Place of Interment Maple View Mennonite Cemetery


Funeral Card

Jonathan — Annie Nancy "Nancy" Gingerich. Annie (daughter of Christian R. Gingerich and Barbara Leis) was born 22 Jan 1898, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 7 Nov 1976, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Maple View Mennonite Cemetery, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37660358
• Name: Annie Nancy "Nancy" Jantzi
• Name: Nancy Gingerich
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-295478
• Residence: 1911, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1976, 4 William St., N., Wellesley, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

JANTZI, Mrs. Jonathan

Of 4 William Street North. Wellesley, passed away Sunday, Nov. 7 at St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener.

She was the former Annie Nancy Gingerich, born in Wellesley, 78 years ago, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Christian Gingerich, a member of the Maple View Mennonite Church.

Dear mother of Walter of Wellesley; survived by four grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Jonathan, July 29, 1972; also by three brothers and two sisters.

Friends called at the Futher Bros. Funeral Home, Wellesley. At noon Wednesday, November 10, the remains were removed to the Maple View Mennonite Church for the service at 2:30. Rev. Alvin Leis and Rev. Jacob Roese officiated. Interment in the church cemetery.

Elmira Signet 10 Nov 1976 pg 21

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In Loving Memory [verse] In Memory Of Annie Nancy Gingerich beloved wife of the late Jonathan Z. Jantzi Born January 22, 1898 Died November 7, 1976 Aged 78 years, 9 months and 15 days The Service The late Mrs. Jantzi is resting at the Futher Brothers Funeral Home in Wellesley until noon, Wednesday, November 10th, 1976, when removal will be made to the Maple View Mennonite Church for the service at 2:30 p.m. Officiating Clergymen Rev. Alvin Leis Rev. Jacob Roes Place of Interment Maple View Mennonite Cemetery, Wellesley Township

Funeral Card

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-168216
• Occupation: 1925, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; Farmer

John married Hattie Gingerich 10 May 1925. Hattie was born 1896; died 14 Sep 1963. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hattie Roth
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-168217

Other Events:

• Interesting: accident, misfortune, story
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80132P
• Occupation: 1881, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Son
• Residence: 1881, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1885, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Misfortune: 1905, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; accident on the road

Notes:

Instantly Killed Christian L. Jantzi Loses His Life in a Pitch-Hole on the Road

Last Friday afternoon this entire community was shocked to learn that Mr. Christian L. Jantzi, a prominent and highly respected farmer living a couple of miles east of Wellesley had been killed in an accident on the road while hauling a load of wood to Baden.

He left the house with his load shortly after noon, taking the "Berlet" Road for Baden. The road was badly filled with snow and difficult for a load but deceased made the trip with safety until he reached the hill just north of the G.T.R. tack and a mile or so east of Baden. At this point the road was almost impassable and a deep pitch-hole at the foot of the steep hill added to the danger. It was here that he met his death, but just how the accident occurred will never be known as he was all alone at the time.

About 2: 30 pm, Messrs. Bishop of New Hamburg, and Webster, of Crosshill, who were driving, noticed the team standing at the foot of the hill, and a closer investigation showed that part of the load had fallen off and Mr. Jantzi was lying under the back part of the sleigh, dead. He had evidently fallen off in front and dragged under the moving sleigh. A deep cut on his head indicated that he had been kicked by one of the horses as he fell and rendered unconscious so could make no effort to save himself from being crushed by the heavy sleigh. The lines were wound around his arm, this stopping the sleigh while he was under it. It was likely an hour or two after the accident that the two gentlemen discovered it.

The remains were brought home and kind neighbors did all that was possible for the stricken wife and family. Deceased was a comparatively young man, just started in his 43rd year, a prosperous, highly respected farmer. He was born in Wellesley Township - at Woodside - and spent his life here. Twenty years ago he was married to Miss Lizzie Zehr, who with four children survive him. He is the second of his family to meet with sudden death, his brother, Michael, having been killed in his saw mill at Newton only a few years ago.

The funeral on Tuesday morning was one of the largest ever held in this community, the remains being interred n the Amish Mennonite Cemetery on the farm.

Wellesley Maple Leaf Mar 2 1905 pg 3

Obituary is supplied by the Wellesley Township Heritage and Historical Society Click here to go to their website.

Christian married Elizabeth B. "Lizzie" Zehr 20 Jan 1885, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Michael Zehr and Barbara Boshart) was born 13 Apr 1863, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown; was buried , Amish Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth B. "Lizzie" Jantzi
• Name: Lizzie Zehr
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80133P
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1885, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-52392
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1901, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer General
• Occupation: 1911, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Plumber
• Residence: 1911, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1921, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Odd Jobs
• Residence: 1921, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Christian — Barbara Leis. Barbara (daughter of Joseph Leis and Catherina "Catherine" Kennel) was born 17 Mar 1861, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 May 1928; was buried , Maple View Amish Mennonite Cemetery, Wellesley Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Gingerich
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-107952
• Residence: 1871, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lot 14 Con. 1 (Wellesley) Wellesley Township
• Residence: 1871, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-124910P
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; New Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1883, Ellice Township, Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; farmer

John married Mary Schneider 24 Apr 1883, Ellice Township, Perth Co., Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Seibert Schneider and Lesette Yost) was born 6 Dec 1862, Mornington Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1949; was buried , New Hamburg Reformed Menn. Cem., New Hamburg, Waterloo, ON. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Roth
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-73496P
• Residence: 1883, Mornington Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada