Richard Duane Lantz

WILSON

  Richard Duane “Dick” Lantz, 83, passed away Monday, May 4, 2026 surrounded by his family in Hutchinson, KS. He was born January 6, 1943 in Russell Co., KS to Harold and Lois (Ward) Lantz. Following high school graduation, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years before his discharge. He married Susan “Sue” Schroeder on October 13, 1963 in Lincoln, KS. Richard and Sue moved to Wilson in June of 1968 and opened Interstate House. He managed the service station and restaurant for six years. Richard then began a career with Wilson Telephone Company (Wilson Communications) and retired as a team leader. He was a member of the Wilson First Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth American Legion Post 174, and the Kansas Western Horseman’s Association (KWHA). Richard and his family enjoyed many years of showing horses in KWHA and the National O-Mok-See. He loved attending his daughter’s activities and later activities of his grandchildren. He and Sue were always early to attend and usually the first ones in the stands. Richard was the ultimate story and joke teller. Lifelong friends were made sitting at the coffee shop, around the arena and on work duty. It is almost certain that Dick has reunited with his buddies, Bob and Tom.

  “There are heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” He taught his daughter and grandkids how to saddle a horse and servers at the Snack Shack how to flip a burger. You could always count on him to be the leader, or as some would say the boss. But most of all, we’ll remember him for the way he loved his family. Richard was a man of many heroic actions, but what we will all remember him most for are the actions that made him legendary.

  Richard is survived by his wife Susan “Sue” Lantz of Wilson; daughter Shawn Petersen (Sean) of Rural Wilson ; grandchildren, Mitch Wolf (Tyler), Cheyenne Davis (Kaden), Savannah Hellebust, and Nash Hellebust; great grandchildren, Roni and Bo Davis; and sisters-in-law, Renee Lantz, Judy Fuller, Lynne Fink (Jim), Lyla Schroeder, and Gerry Schroeder and brother in law, Bob Schroeder.  He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Carolyn Willoughby, Randy Lantz, brother in laws, Gary Schroeder and Fred Fuller.  Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Parsons Funeral Home of Ellsworth with family present to greet visitors from 6-8 p.m.  A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Wilson with burial following at Wilson Cemetery with military honors.  Memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Wilson, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

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