Thomas C. Gantzer

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Carl Gantzer, age 76, of Wheeling, West Virginia, who peacefully departed on July 13, 2024, at Wheeling Hospital.
Tom was born on October 11, 1947, in Wheeling, WV, to Tom and Sara (Moore) Gantzer. He attended Linsly Military Institute and graduated from Triadelphia High School in 1967. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Air Force. Tom married his sweetheart, whom he met as a young teenager in their shared neighborhood of Clator, Victoria (Green) Gantzer, on August 31, 1968, and together they raised their beloved son, Thomas Christian. Tom and Vicky shared a remarkable 55 years together, spending 47 of those years in the home they lovingly built together in Triadelphia.
During his career, Tom dedicated 36 years to Bayer Chemical, where he worked as a foreman. Despite the challenges he faced, he always placed his family and friends above all else, nurturing lifelong friendships that meant the world to him. In his spare time, Tom loved tinkering in the garage, keeping up with current news, and cherishing moments with his beloved grandchildren. Like the Gantzer family before him, he was a devoted member of Ruble United Methodist Church.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Vicky; their son, Tom (Jen); cherished grandchildren, Dorian and Violet, who knew him better as "Pappy"; and his loyal companion, Blue. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Harriet Gantzer, and her children, Twila and Frederick II. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Sara Gantzer, and his dear brother, Frederick Gantzer.
Visitation will be held at Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St, Elm Grove, on Thursday, July 18, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Friday, July 19, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a service at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place at Parkview Memorial Gardens, 1922 Warden Run Road, Wheeling, with a bereavement lunch to follow at Ruble United Methodist Church on July 19, 2024, at 12:30 PM.
Tom will be deeply missed and forever remembered with warmth and love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ruble United Methodist Church, or the Tunnel to Towers, Foundation.