Doreen Ida Lantz of Hanover
Doreen Ida Irene Lantz (Lerch) beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away May 18, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family at the Hanover Care Centre.
Doreen was born November 21, 1931, in the family home. Doreen is the daughter of the Edward and Anna Lerch. She grew up with 8 siblings in Carrick Township and attended Public School in a one room schoolhouse.
Throughout her life, Doreen was a source of unwavering love, strength and compassion to her family and friends. She married George William Lantz on June 20th, 1951, and together they built a life in a farming Community just outside Neustadt. Together they raised eight children, Bruce (Ivy); Bonnie (Ron) Becker; Joyce (Jim) Nuhn; Debbie (Gerald) Becker; George (Mary Jo); Linda (Bruce) Fidler; Dale (Denise) and Greg. In addition blessed with 18 grandchildren Vicki (Jake) Svanda, Derek (Valarie) Lantz; Angie (Greg) Benninger, Shelly (Ryan Enright) Becker, Jillian (Jason) Londry; Jamie (Jenny) Nuhn, Jodie (Henry Harder) Nuhn, Joshua (Rebecca) Nuhn; Michael Becker, Chad Becker, Tonya (Jason Moore) Becker; Jeff (Marissa) Lantz, Jake (friend Jillian Montgomery) Lantz, Jordan (Pete) Lainey; Scott (Katelyn) Fidler, Jeremy (Kristen) Fidler; Devyn (friend Kayla Dickinson) Lantz, Dustin (Erica) Lantz. As well adored her 26 great grandchildren Taylor (Eric Sicker) Svanda, Sara Svanda; Caitlin & Claire Lantz; Paige Becker, Avery & Aiden Benninger; Addison, Summer & Quinn Enright; Jayse & Jaidyn Londry; Jude & Jaxon Nuhn, Garrison, Bentley & Hadley Harder, Rhea & Eddie Nuhn; Emma Becker, Owen & Olivia Becker-Moore; Easton & Colter Lainey; Willie Fidler; Jack Lantz.
Doreen is survived by her brother Alfred (Norma) Lerch, sisters-in-law Eleanor Lerch and Lynn Lerch. Brother-in-law Harold (Hazel) Lantz. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. Doreen was predeceased by her husband George, her son Bruce and son-in-law Gerald, and also her parents; sisters Gladys (Martin) Singbiel, Florence (Elmer) Leifso, Eileen (Conrad) Wiseman, Audrey (Harold) Hill and brothers Wilmer, Bert, Harvey and Harold in infancy.
Doreen had a passion for her flower and vegetable gardens, watching birds around her multiple feeders and so enjoyed quilting, sewing, liquid embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, tatting, ceramics, photography, baking, and upholstery. Doreen loved keeping journals. If you wanted to know something significant that happened in the past, most times she had it recorded. She loved puzzles and games including crokinole, bingo, solo and euchre and nerts (solitaire). Doreen was very competitive in a fun-loving way. Doreen loved sharing and showing her talents in local fairs. Throughout Doreen’s lifetime she had multiple jobs including janitor at her Church, upholstery, judging flowers and KitchenAid at McVean Lodge-Hanover Care Centre.
Doreen was very active in her community, a member on the St. Paul’s Lutheran WOF; Neustadt Normanby Carrick Agricultural Society; 4-H Homemaking Leader; Member of the Red Hats; Neustadt Swing Bowling League and Neustadt Horticulture Society.
Doreen loved watching the Blue Jays on TV and relished conversation about the game/s with her grandchildren and so enjoyed a family outing attending a Blue Jay game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Doreen also loved watching the family “Lanzview Hereford Team” in the annual Family Slo-pitch Tournaments held in Neustadt and Ayton. Doreen loved to decorate for special occasions especially Halloween and Christmas. Doreen was an amazing cook for family gatherings especially her roast beef dinner and yummy apple pie.
To honor and celebrate Doreen’s life, visitation will take place at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on May 24, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Mildmay on May 25, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Normanby Township. The family extends an invitation to join them following the service and committal, at the Neustadt Community Hall for refreshments and to share memories of Doreen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doreen’s memory to Saugeen Hospice (https://www.saugeenhospice.ca/donations/) or McVean Lodge – Hanover Care Centre. Condolences messages may be left for the family on Doreen’s obituary page at mightonfuneralhome.ca.
