John G. Gantzer, SR., passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Tidewell Hospice House, in Arcadia, at the age of 89. He was born in Glen Ellyn, IL on October 13, 1922 to Charles and Ruth Gantzer. He graduated from the Glenbard High School, in 1941 and enlisted in the U. S. Army signal corps. He transferred to the Army Air Corps in 1943 and trained at Carlstom Field in Arcadia in 1944. It was there he met his lovely wife of 67 years, Juanita (Purvis). He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in February, 1945. After the war, He lived in Warrenville, IL. there he was a deputy sheriff with the Dupage County Sheriff s Office for 30 years. He also owned and operated a Motorola Two-Way radio shop for more than 30 years. He sold his business in 1985, due to poor health, retiring to Arcadia, Florida. In Arcadia, he was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He served for 20 years as an usher, greeter, and all-around handy man He printed the bulletin and participated in the Methodist s Men s Group. John enjoyed working where he could for his Lord and in his church. John was active with the DeSoto Amateur Radio Club, an honorary member of the DeSoto Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, having compiled the yearbook for 10 years. He was a NASCAR fan and he raced his go-cart at most of the NASCAR tracks in the Eastern United States, his favorites being Pocono and Daytona. For many years, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle. John loved meeting new people and said: They were not strangers only friends he hadn t met before . Survivors are his beloved wife Juanita (Purvis) Gantzer, a son, Edward (Jo) Gantzer, Elgin, IL, daughter-in-law, Kristy Gantzer, Owasso, OK, brother, Charles Gantzer, Vancover, WA., sister-in-law, Betty Gantzer, Milton, WI, five grandchildren, John R. (Angela) Gantzer, Elisha (Robert) Connel, Christine (Tony) Hamel, Katherine (Keith) Gantzer-Hayes, Rebecca Gantzer, seven great grandchildren, Joshua and Selah Connel, Christopher Hamel, Noah and Luke Gantzer, Samuel and Joseph Hayes, one beloved cousin, Jerry (Betty) Mason, Mich. and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by a son, John G. Gantzer, Jr., his parents, Charles and Ruth Gantzer, and a sister, Bothella Peterson. Memorial Services will be conducted on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 11:00AM At Trinity United Methodist Church 304 W. Oak St., Arcadia, FL with Pastor Jim Wade officiating. Private inurnment will be at Trinity Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist, Choir Robe Fund. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia, FL is in charge of arrangements.