Brian J. Schantz

COTTAGE GROVE- On Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, the Schantz family lost three members in a car accident; Ildred, Alan and Brian Schantz.  BRIAN JOHN SCHANTZ, age 57, was born on May 2, 1960, in Madison, the son of Ildred and Shirley (Allen) Schantz. He graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1978, where he took 3rd in State in pole vaulting on the track and field team. Following high school, Brian began working at Daybreak Foods/Creekwood Farms Inc., where he worked for over 30 years.  It was there where he met his wife, Veronica Echeverria Martinez and they were married on June 25, 2016.  When asked how he felt about getting married he’d reply “It’s the best and happiest decision of my life!” Though he never had any children of his own he cared, loved and protected Vanessa and Amy, daughters of Veronica. Brian was a very hardworking man, who had so much love and respect for his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, golf and watching the game every Sunday night with a slice of pizza. His favorite thing of all was spending time with his family.  Ildred, Alan and Brian are survived by their loving families, Donna (Lyle) Kluever, Florence Allen, Ann (Donald) Smith, Sarah Smith (Patrick Stoffel), Benjamin Smith (Sarah Boehm), Rebecca Smith (Peter Flanner), Mai Schantz, Ted (Casey) Wilkinson, Brixton and Briley, Richard Schantz (Andrea Lugo), Anthony, Isaac, Isaiah and Ivan, Veronica Echeverria Martinez, Vanessa Casas Echeverria and Amy Ayala; and many additional family members. A Celebration of their Lives will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 Cty Hwy AB, McFarland, at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, with the Rev. Beth Schultz-Byrnes presiding. A time of fellowship and food will immediately follow the service. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420