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Steven Bantz Obituary
PEORIA - Steven George Bantz, 46, of Afton, Va., formerly of Peoria, died on Friday, May 4, 2012, as the result of an accident at home.
He was born on Sept. 10, 1965, to Wesley and Rose (Wrestler) Bantz of Peoria, Ill. Steve grew up in Peoria and graduated from Dunlap High School. He received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Illinois College and the University of Illinois.
Steve worked for DuPont beginning in 1987 and married Jeanmarie Badar on May 17, 1993, in Cleveland, Ohio. For the first two years of their marriage, they lived in Singapore and returned to the states in 1995 to settle in Afton, Va., where they have lived for the past 17 years.
Steve continued his education, receiving his master's degree in integrated science and technology from James Madison University.
Steve was deeply committed to environmental issues and spent one year in Washington, D.C., working in the Clean Vehicles department of the Union of Concerned Scientists. After that, he tried his hand at teaching middle and high school students in Waynesboro, Va., and at the Math, Engineering and Science Academy (MESA) of the Albemarle Public Schools. But eventually, his passion for engineering brought him back to DuPont, where he has worked for the past year at the Spruance Plant in Richmond, Va.
Steve was an avid environmentalist, cyclist, skier/snowboarder, vegetarian, animal lover, banjo player and loving husband, son, brother and friend to many. His quiet intelligence, quick-witted sense of humor, love of adventure and genuine kindness enriched the lives of everyone around him.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanmarie Bantz of Afton, Va.; his parents, Wesley and Rose Bantz of Peoria, Ill.; his grandmothers, Dorothy Wrestler and Martha Bantz of Peoria, Ill.; his sister, Lisa (Bantz) Woiwode and her husband, Greg, of Manito, Ill.; and nieces, Abigail and Hanna Starnes; great-niece, Ayla; nephew, Brandon Starnes; and great-nephew, Kaiden; and, of course, his dogs, Isaac and Cooper, as well as cats, chickens, rabbits and a horse, Ginseng.
A celebration of Steve's life will be at 12 noon Saturday, May 26, at Ravina on the Lake in Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Steve's honor to one of the following organizations close to Steve's heart: The Union of Concerned Scientists, Public Television and Public Radio, The National Parks and Conservation Association or the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Bantz
Todd Becker
June 10, 2012
I have known Steve for 25 years and spent a lot of time with with Steve my first 3+ years in Texas after we both hired on with DuPont. We weren't in contact often over past 20 yrs but every time we were it was like we'd never left off. I was so glad when he said he'd be at our wedding, it was great to catch up with him. He was a brilliant guy, quirky, funny, always loveable. A kind, generous man, he was a true friend. The world isn't as good as it was with him. I didn't keep in contact with him as much as I would have liked but still, it was always nice knowing he was there, he will be dearly missed.
Frank Feghali
June 9, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear this shocking and sad news. Steve was so full of life. I enjoyed hanging out with him when we both lived in Beaumont, Texas back in the late 80s. I remember fondly doing things together and our various trips to New Orleans, Mexico and camping out at Big Bend National Park. Steve was a lot of fun to be around. May he rest in peace. I hope that his good memories help fill some of the void that his passing has caused all of you. May God bless you all during this difficult time. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Kim (Anderson) Sierens-DHS Class of 83
May 23, 2012
Lisa, Mr. and Mrs. Bantz,
I am so sorry to hear about Steve's sudden passing. I have such fond memories of him from high school. I got to see him several times a day as our lockers were close to one another. I saw him a couple of times after high school and he was still the smart, kind and thoughtful guy I remembered! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Ralph Wehnes #34
May 14, 2012
To the entire Bantz Family,
I am sorry to hear about Steve. He was a great person and we always had a lot of fun together in high school. Always in my memory as Steve Bantz #51 (Dunlap Eagles football team 1983).
Darrell & Koretta Jones
May 12, 2012
I'm sorry of your loss. You are in our thoughts & prayers. May God continue to touch you and give you directions. Know that Mr. Bantz will always be in your heart.
Bill & Debbie Poore
May 12, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Walt Hopple
May 12, 2012
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Deserea Wilson
May 11, 2012
I am truely sorry about your loss. Mr Bantz was an amazing teacher he tought me when i was a freshman of his earth science class at waynesboro. he probly mentioned that my class barely listened but when he told me that if i didnt pay attention that i would fail his exam i shocked him when the test results or scores came back i made a B. And iwish the best to your family and pray for your family. Its such a shock to see someone so young and cool like he was as a teacher. I am truely sorry for the loss.
May 11, 2012
Wes and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time! May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you!
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck McGrath, Parrish, FL
Denise Jordan-Dougherty
May 10, 2012
Lisa and Mr & Mrs Bantz:
I am truly saddened & in shock to hear about Steve. My thoughts & prayers are with your family.
May 10, 2012
Steve Bantz was quiet clarity and intelligence for the present and the future. He had the remarkable ability to see big picture views and the small detailed nuts and bolts. He lived his life simply but in a large way. With Jeanmarie, he lived a life worth living. He left this world better than he found it. I add my heartfelt condolences to Jeanmarie and Steve's parents and sister. for his sudden death.
May 10, 2012
Rose, Wes and Family, Chuck and I were so sad to hear about Steven. He was such a wonderful young man! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Chuck and Artha Siebel
Ronda Harvey
May 10, 2012
We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband. Even though I never knew him, knowing you meant he had to be special to have chosen a wonderful lady as yourself for his partner. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Ronda Harvey and family (TRES)
Carrie Carter
May 10, 2012
Dr. Bantz,
I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your husband. My heart goes out to you and the rest of your family. I never had the privilegeof meeting your husband, but he sounds like a very special person who will be missed by many...
I will be keeping you in my constant thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Carrie (Keyser) Carter
Priya Mahadevan
May 10, 2012
The sudden and untimely passing of Mr. Bantz has been shocking to say the least! He was an inspirational teacher and a wonderful human being. My son truly admired him as a teacher. We are SO sorry for the families' loss and cannot imagine how bad you must be feeling right now. Calling upon God to help heal the hearts of the family and friends Steve left behind - Mani, Priya & Karuna Mahadevan (AHS MESA Family)
Debbie Owen
May 10, 2012
The MESA community at Albemarle is reeling from this news. Our condolences to all of Steve's family, from his MESA family.
MESA Students
May 10, 2012
Mr. Bantz touched all of those who he taught. Our thoughts are with your family.
Judy Wright
May 10, 2012
so sorry to hear about your loss.I will pray your strength and comfort .
Min. Judy Wright (TRES)
Barbara Applen
May 10, 2012
Rose, Lisa, Dorothy, and family,
As one of Steve's former PJHS teachers, I am so sorry to hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Stevens
May 10, 2012
Lisa and Mr. and Mrs. Bantz and family, My prayers are with you all. I have very fond memories of Steve from High School involving football and math/science classes. We each when on to engineering careers.
Dana Sinn Olson
May 10, 2012
Lisa and Mr and Mrs Bantz I am so very very sorry. I will pray for you and your family and Steve's family.
Jan (McQueary) MacMillan
May 10, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Steve, Lisa and myself had alot of good times growing up in Alta. My prayers to all families.
Edward Johnson
May 10, 2012
Wes, Rose, Lisa and Family,
We are very sad to read of Steven's passing. He was a dedicated and wonderful person! We hope the many happy memories will help you and your family get through this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ed and Diana Johnson (Cat MEC Retired)
Peoria, IL.
Stacy King
May 10, 2012
Our hearts are heavy during this tragic time. Our prayers will continue for JeanMarie and the Badar family as well as the Bantz family. Steven was such an insiration to so many people. This is a very sad and unfortunate situation. WE love all of you and will continue to keep you close to our hearts and continue with our prayers. Lots of Love, Stacy (Bantz) King (Rory, MacKenzie and Austin)
Tracy Capperrune
May 10, 2012
we are so sorry for your loss and are praying for the God of all comfort to be with you today and in the coming days. ~Pastor Dave ~ Tracy Capperrune.
Jeff Harris
May 10, 2012
What I admired most about Steve was his genuineness, zest for life and willingness to embrace new challenges. HIs untimely passing is quite simply stunning. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.
May 10, 2012
Our hearts break for the family Steve leaves behind, but loved him enough to let him soar.
-Chris Dowell and family
Dan Plumer
May 10, 2012
Angela and I are devastated by this tragic loss. Our hearts are heavy for all of you and your family. I so enjoyed playing football with Steve at IC and Angela cheerig us on. Our deepest sympathies.
Kevin Madigan
May 10, 2012
Steve was class, fun and enthusiasm about everything from day one. Kind to everyone he met. An example for all. Afton Mountain and Virginia are all diminished by his passing.
Joe Bantz
May 10, 2012
Steve was a great cousin. I remember many visits to "the Peoria cousins" and it always involved some sort of adventure! We are praying for peace for all as we grieve the loss of a good, passionate man.
Jessica, Joey, Sammy and Max
May 10, 2012
An amazing human being. He made the world a better place. Peace and Love
linda Scandore
May 10, 2012
My heart goes out for Jeanmarie and the family. Steve was such a gift to all.
linda Scandore
Charlottesville, VA
Jim Leake
May 10, 2012
Ride on Steve, you will be missed by so many...
BONITA STEPHENS/JUSTICE
May 10, 2012
I GREW UP WITH ROSE AND HER SIBLINGS.I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,YOU ALL ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
WITH MUCH LUV BONITA STEPHENS/JUSTICE
Diana Thomalla-Jones
May 10, 2012
I am so sorry to see this. I remember Steve growing up. My mother, brother and myself send our condolences.
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