With profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Paul K. Schantz, who departed this world peacefully on February 22, 2026 at the age of 93. Paul was born at home on June 13, 1932 in Caledonia Michigan to parents Louis and Cora (nee King) Schantz.
Paul’s life was marked by service to God and country and a dedication to his family with love. After graduating high school in Caledonia Michigan in 1950, Paul went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Agricultural Economics and a ROTC commission in the USAF. He served the USAF in Louisiana and was honorably discharged in 1957.
In 1956 Paul married Barbara Jean Smith and together they shared a blessed life for 69 years. They have three daughters, Joy (Jeff) Reep of Ashland, Jane (Tim) Fiehrer of Centerville, and Jill (Brett) Goecke of Sylvania. Eight grandchildren, Joe (Brittaney) Reep, Leah (Patrick) Sprague, Ellen (Zack) Whitcomb, Evan Fiehrer, Alex Fiehrer, Claire (Ben) Haselhuhn, Sam Goecke and Abby Goecke. Seven great grand Children, Harold and Pauline Reep, Andi, Amelia, Zayden Sprague, Graham Whitcomb and Cecilia Haselhuhn. His loving family was his greatest joy and will be his enduring legacy.
Paul dedicated his entire 40-year professional life to the former Hess & Clark of Ashland. Working first in Indiana, Virginia and Arkansas, he moved his family to Ashland in 1964. He retired in 1997 as National Sales Manager.
A man of deep faith, Paul was an active member of The First United Methodist Church where he served in the choir, on numerous committees and was once a teacher of the Searchers Sunday School class. His spiritual journey continued at Faith United Methodist church in Fort Myers Florida where he spent his winters.
Music was the melody of Paul’s life. As a member of both the Ashland Community Band and the Sanibel Community Band, he played his clarinet proudly and with passion to the end of his life. Paul shared his love of music and sports with his family, supporting them in their pursuits as a front-row fan as often as he was able.
Paul was an avid golfer, enjoying the sport in Ohio and Florida well into his late 80’s. His love of golf was matched only by his fervor for his beloved Spartans, which he followed with dedication his entire life. He also enjoyed being a part of Young Men’s Business Club of Ashland and the “Coffee Table” friend group at Samaritan Hospital.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brothers Richard (Margaret) Schantz and Robert (Billie) Schantz.
Family and friends may gather on Sunday April 12, 2026 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at The First United Methodist Church, 220 Sandusky Street for a celebration of Paul’s life.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Ashland County Community Foundation, in care of Paul and Barbara Schantz charitable fund, 300 College Avenue, Ashland Ohio 44805.
For those not able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com