Robert Forrest “Bob” Gantz was born May 26, 1925, and died at Ness County Hospital on July 23, 2020. He was the son of Ernest and Fayne Bondurant Gantz. Survivors are Paula Gantz Ripple and David, Ann Gantz Matz and Kurt, Gary and Jodi Gantz; grandchildren Shelley Ripple Woodworth, Jacob Ripple, Zachary Matz, Cody Matz, Wade Gantz, Colby Gantz, and Dalton Gantz; cousin Gordon Holloway, niece Paige Gantz Farrell; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jan, his brother Jack and his wife Yvonne, and his nephew Scott Gantz.
Upon graduation from Ness City High School in 1943, Bob entered the Army Air Corps; he trained and flew as a navigator in a B-24 bomber until the end of World War II when he was discharged. After the war, he enrolled in Kansas State University as a business major, graduating cum laude in 1950, and returning to Ness City to join his mother in operating D. E. Bondurant Grain, thus continuing the business begun by his grandfather Daniel E. Bondurant in 1888. Later his brother Jack joined the operation, and it remains in the family today.
Bob’s passion for hunting took him on countless pheasant hunts and treks to hunt for deer and elk. He also collected old Winchesters and other firearms. Bob read voraciously throughout his life: newspapers, history, business news, Westerns, and all things concerning western history. His interest in Western Kansas settlement history was kindled from relationships with “old timers,” and he often visited with his grandfather Daniel Bondurant, Mary Beardslee, Grace Beardslee, and many Ness Countians, piecing together stories of early Ness County. This knowledge of Ness County history was the impetus for much of his wife Jan’s historical writing.
Always participating in the Ness City community, Bob’s activities and support ranged from sports to organizations. He was the second Eagle Scout in Ness City, then became a Boy Scout leader and long-time supporter. Early on Bob played softball on a city team sponsored by Harold Dean “Irish” Gabel; he was in Rotary and served as President; he was on the board of the First State Bank; he supported and promoted Arrowhead West, the Ness County Bank Building, the Ness City Public Library, the Ness County Fair, and Old Settler’s Reunions. In addition, he always remained an avid supporter of his alma mater, Kansas State University. Bob was a member of the Odd Fellows, The American Legion (in March he received his 75-year pin), the National Rifle Association, the Kansas State Rifle Association, the Winchester Arms Collector Association, the Ness County Historical Society, the Little Big Horn Association.
Bob was a career-long member of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association, serving as board member and two-term Chairman of the KGFA from 1959 to 1964. In 2007 the association honored him with the Sunflower Award, the Kansas grain industry’s highest honor.
A graveside service will be held at the Ness City Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28. Viewing will be on Monday from to 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Ness County Bank Building, the Ness City Public Library, or the Kansas Grain and Feed Association Scholarship Fund.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com