Georgelyn Sue Lantz
Georgelyn Sue Lantz, Age 79, of Fenton, MI, passed away on February 5, 2024 after several months of struggling with a number of health issues which included a severe heart condition. To honor her wishes, cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Sue’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com
Georgelyn Sue Lantz was born on September 17, 1944, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Mr. and Mrs. George and Ruth (Lucas) Lantz. She grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and attended James Smart Grammar School and graduated from North Side High School, where she was one of the only female drummers in the marching band. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne for many years, and even served as the interim Youth Director for the church. She was also a member of the Fort Wayne Sport Club Women’s Auxiliary, and participated in the organization of the “Pepsi Youth Soccer League.” After many interesting jobs including the key punch department at International Harvester, Director of Promotion and Public Service for WKJG-TV, waitressing and bartending at the fine dining Captain Alexander’s Wharf and Moonraker restaurants as well as Don Pedro’s La Hacienda, and becoming a licensed insurance agent, Sue became a member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America at the age of forty. She went on to become a Certified Construction Safety Professional, one of the very few women to do so at the time. She worked construction safety at various job sites throughout the United States, and retired as a proud member of Laborers’ Local #1076 in Pontiac, Michigan. During her retirement, she often expressed that she missed and thought every day about construction safety and the people she met and worked with, and the many lives she impacted through her safety work.
Sue, as most everybody knew her, moved to Fenton, Michigan in 1995, and was a long time member of the Fenton First Presbyterian Church, where she was active in the church choir and served as an Elder and a Deacon. She also enjoyed attending Bible studies at various churches, snow skiing, boating, and camping, and sang in various choirs in the greater Flint, Michigan area. She was an avid reader, and also enjoyed attending her two granddaughter’s dance recitals, as well as helping those who were older than her in her community by giving them rides to church, doctor’s appointments, and grocery shopping. Helping others also brought Sue to participation at NewLife Community Lutheran Church the last couple years of her life, where she made additional friends. There were few things she enjoyed more than being able to tell a joke and make people laugh, and also taking care of her two Yorkshire Terriers.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Christina “Tina” Ritchie of Michigan, son Johannes “John” Dirnberger of Michigan, granddaughter Heidi and her husband Tyler Beasley of Michigan, granddaughter Waverly Ritchie and her partner Ben Anderson of Florida, step-sister Bonnie Schnelker and half-sisters Kathy (Tim) Holt of Indiana, Loretta Hitch and Barb (Tom) Lewis of California. Additionally, her childhood friend, Judy Christie, and best friend of over 50 years, Pat Robison, both of Indiana, with whom she shared many laughs and adventures, and her friend in Christ, Bettie Johnson, who has helped her in many ways including caring for her two Yorkies, Missy and Pippi.
Sue was preceded in death by her father and step-mother George and Cordella Lantz, mother and step-father Ruth and Charles Holloway, daughter, Heidi Boehm, her first husband Johannes P. Boehm, and second husband Helmut M. Dirnbeger, step-sisters Linda Hilton and Denise Schuckel, as well as her special “moms” Loretta B. Farrell and Aunt Marian Kelly.
Sue’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Fenton First Presbyterian Church Deacons, Home Depot, and neighbors Tony and Kim Glenn for her home ramp/step repairs, and Pastor Matt Hines and NewLife Community Lutheran Church for providing 2 weeks of safe care on hospice at Symphony. Additionally, we would like to thank Dr. James Daros and Family Doc’s Clinic for their many years of care and friendship to Sue, and to the many of you who reached out to Sue during this difficult time.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in Sue’s honor to the Deacon’s Fund of First Presbyterian Church of Fenton, or to NewLife Community Lutheran Church, 7235 Torrey Rd, Swartz Creek, MI 48473. The family will remember Sue as having a strong faith, a fierce independence, and an adventurous, well-lived life, exactly as she wanted.
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My deepest sympathy to Tina and her brother John as well as granddaughters Heidi and Waverly and their partners. Sue and I always had some good conversations while spending time together at Family Gatherings. She will be missed.
Sue became a close friend of my Uncle Dick until he passed. Per her personality she became a friend of our whole family. She was who introduced my to Fenton first Presbyterian church where my grand daughters and a enjoyed being members. She will be sorely missed. She was a loving and caring person. The world has lost a good one. Our prayers and sympathy are with you. Love, Julie Campbell
My deepest sympathy to Tina and the entire family. It was always a joy seeing Sue and her making Lita laugh acting silly and being fun when we would be out walking the dogs! She will be missed it’s been a joy helping take care of her dogs and getting to know them.
I had only known Sue for about a year through New Life. She was so spunky and I enjoyed our conversations. Prayers for the family at this difficult time
I got to know Sue from massage at a Dr’s office, she came back in my life at New Life Community Lutheran church this past year.
I remember her smile and joy she had talking with people and helping others like our Sweet Emily at our church.
Sue was definitely a very strong willed and faithful servant of our Lord. She did a lot in her lifetime and I bet she touched many many lives here on earth. She touched mine.
I will miss Sue but I believe she is dancing and singing in heaven now with God, Jesus and everyone like our Sweet Emily. No more pain , no more suffering, no more sorrow, just Love. Kim Makimaa