Memorials

Alan D. “Bud” Rantz, 76, of Noble County, died at 6:13 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2009 at Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.

He was born December 2, 1932, in South Bend, a son of Harold and Alyce (Williams) Rantz. His formative years were spent in South Bend, Mishawaka and Granger. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1951.

In July 1976, he married Elsie Nemeth. They made their home in Granger and Goshen. Mrs. Rantz died October 1, 1997.

On July 2, 1998, he married Karin K. “Kay” (Florian) Lidecker. They made their home in Goshen until 2000 when they moved to their present home in Noble County.

In 1987, he retired from Bendix in South Bend.

His memberships included Columbia City United Methodist Church, Mishawaka Lodge #130 F. & A.M. and South Bend Valley Scottish Rite.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Kay; two children and two stepsons, Beverly (Mark) Sharp of Elkhart, John (Pam Nelson) Rantz of Syracuse, Jason (Liz) Lidecker of Bristol and Andy Lidecker of Mishawaka; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Marilyn Weiser of South Bend, Eldora Potts of South Bend, Pat Kopczynski of South Bend and Sharon Paczek of Greenwood.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Rantz.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Columbia City United Methodist Church,

605 Forest Parkway, Columbia

City with Rev. Paul Arnold, church pastor, officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

The committal service will begin at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Joe Valley Memorial Park in Granger.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to Columbia City United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are being completed by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.