Harry A. Rantz

Harry Rantz, age 91, passed away on December 29, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born in Spokane, Washington on January 25, 1922 to Harry and Thula (LaFollette) Rantz. Harry graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle, in 1940. He began working as a technical illustrator for Boeing in 1943, where he met Kathleen Ochs. They were married on his 22nd birthday, January 25, 1944. Harry continued working for Boeing for the next 40 years, eventually becoming a supervisor in the Commercial Airline Division. He retired in 1983, and began pursuing the artistic passion he had laid aside as a young man, becoming an admired and respected artist. Many of his paintings are treasured possessions of family and close friends. He also enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and quiet walks along a mountain stream. During his retirement he was also involved with charity work through Catholic Community Services. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, John, and is survived by his wife, Kathleen, daughters Pam and Patti , and son Mark, 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and his gentle and caring presence will be greatly missed. A Rosary and Sharing will be held Monday, January 6, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Becks Funeral Home in Edmonds, WA. A Memorial Mass, followed by a Celebration of his Life, his 92nd Birthday and his 70th Wedding Anniversary will be held January 25, 2014 at Holy Rosary Parish in Edmonds. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.