THOMAS TSCHANTZ Jr.

THOMAS PETER TSCHANTZ JR. Thomas Peter Tschantz Jr., 70, of Burlington, Kan., passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. He was born December 9, 1952, in Lebanon, Ore., the son of Thomas Peter Tschantz Sr. and Anna May (Downs) Tschantz. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Connie P (Frey) Tschantz, on September 26, 1969; they shared 54 wonderful years together. He was a master mechanic and worked at KP&L in Lawrence, Kan. for six years as a journeyman maintenance man. He went to college and had a bachelor's degree in computer-aided drafting. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and served for three years. He was stationed in Colorado Springs, Colo., and was deployed to Thailand in 1973. He left the Air Force in 1974. In 1975, he joined the Army National Guard Reserves for three years in Ottawa, Kan. as an Army Survey. Tom and Connie moved to Anchorage, Alaska in August 1988 where he worked on the Exon Valdez oil spill and in June of 1994 they came back to Kansas to be with his kids and new grandbabies. He loved to fish and camp and spend time with his family, who meant the world to him. He loved the American Legion where he was a member for 22 years and spending time with his friends. He also served on Burlington city council. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Tim, Roger and Clara; grandchildren, Heather and Brandon; and son-in-law Corey Alexander May. He is survived by his wife, Connie; two sisters Hazel Cunningham (Rodney) of Osawatomie, Kan., Lynda (Tim) Orton of Taylorsville, Utah; his children, Tyrone Tschantz of Parsons, Kan., Jennifer (Jim) Hajek of Mercer, Mo., Stephanie (Daniel) Wagers of Salem, Ind.; grandchildren, DJ, Kimber, Cody Thomas, Amanda, Tyler, Katelynn, Blake, Brady, Rose, and Richard; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; as well as extended family and friends. Cremation is planned. Graveside services will be held Friday, November 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Jones Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses and may be sent to PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.