Martin Luther Tschantz

Martin Luther Tschantz, Jr., age 101, entered into the presence of the Lord on June 7, 2025, in Lake Wales, Florida, surrounded by his beloved daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters. A devoted follower of Christ, Martin lived a long, joy-filled life marked by faith, family, and service.
Born at home in Canton, Ohio on January 20, 1924, weighing just 2.5 pounds, Martin's life began with a miracle-his survival attributed to Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, which sparked his legendary sweet tooth and lifelong love of chocolate and desserts. He spent his childhood in Canton, his family moving between ten different houses, and into adulthood, carrying with him an incredible sense of humor and sharp wit.
Martin graduated from McKinley High School in 1942 and attended Mount Union College for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1943. He served honorably as a medical technician in the Army Medical Corps during World War II, entering Europe via Normandy in July 1944, serving in France and Belgium until his return home in 1945.
After the war, Martin completed his degree in Education at Mount Union College in 1950 and went on to earn graduate credits at University of Akron. He began his teaching career at Jackson Middle School (1954–1958) and later taught at Perry Local Schools, including Whipple Heights, Edison Junior High, and Pfeiffer Middle School. He retired in 1982 after 27 years of inspiring countless students through social studies and English.
On December 23, 1950, Martin married the love of his life, Helen Ruth Willett. They met on a blind date in June of that year, arranged by Helen's sister Mary and her husband, Paul Sell, Martin's childhood friend. They built a life together, rooted in love, guided by faith, with plenty of adventures along the way.
A lifelong resident of Jackson Township until 2025, Martin eventually relocated to Lake Wales, Florida to be closer to his family. He was a dedicated member of McDonaldsville United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer and sang in the choir. His favorite hymn, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah," reflected his steadfast faith.
Martin worked for many years at W.H. Tschantz & Sons Co., the family business founded in 1923. He also served as secretary of the Jackson Township Kiwanis Club. He traveled extensively, visiting all 50 U.S. states and Europe, and especially loved visiting Houghton College, where Helen was an alumna. Martin had a deep love for learning, reading over 1,000 books in retirement-particularly on U.S. history, biographies, and poetry, including poems he penned.
An automobile enthusiast from the time he could walk, Martin could identify any car by sight and collected brochures from dealerships throughout his life. He remained a proud Ford loyalist and was especially fond of his 1969 Mercury Marquis.
Martin was a devoted and playful grandfather who happily became whatever character his granddaughters needed in their endless make-believe adventures. He often carried around scraps of paper in his wallet-filled with quotes, jokes, or Bible verses-to share with loved ones. Martin is reunited in Heaven with his cherished wife Helen Ruth (Willett) Tschantz, his parents Georgia Mildred and Martin Luther Tschantz, Sr., his brother William "Bill" Howard Tschantz, sister-in-law Betty Tschantz, and dear friends Lt. Col. Robert "Bob," wife Mary Harter, and family.
He is survived by his daughter Janet (Nick) Barkas, and granddaughters Elizabeth Barkas, of Lake Wales, FL and Julianna (Josh) Wheeler, of Wilmington, NC who will forever cherish his love, humor, and Godly example.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wycliffe Seed Company in support of Bible translation around the world-continuing the legacy of a man who treasured God's Word. Donations can be made at https://seedcompany.com/get-involved/give/.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at Grace Bible Church, 1700 Hankins Road, Massillon, Ohio 44646. A graveside service will follow at Sunset Hills Burial Park. Services will be officiated by Martin's nephew Pastor Lester Champer.
Special thanks to Vitas Hospice of Central Florida for their compassionate care and support.
Martin loved the Lord with all his heart. His life was a beautiful reflection of Christ's love, and we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Him.
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