Joseph A. Schrantz, '47, passed away on September 1, 2020 in Villa Park, Illinois. Lifetime Member.Joseph Andrew Schrantz, 91, born July 30, 1929 in Maricopa, Arizona passed away peacefully on September 1, 2020 surrounded by his family and with Angels by his side.
Son of William and Kay Schrantz, (nee Levans). Brother of Pat Adams (deceased) (Pauline) (deceased), William Schrantz, (deceased) Nancy Davey (nee Schrantz) (deceased) Uncle of George Davey (deceased), Kevin Adams, Keith Adams and Kristine Barr (nee Adams) and nephew and cousin to many.
Loving husband of the late Dorothy Schrantz (nee O’Donnell). Brother-in-law of the late John O’Donnell.
Beloved father of Katie (deceased) (Paul), Tommy (deceased), Peggy, Annie (Gary), Barb (Linda), Jeanne, Trish (Mike), Therese (Wayne). Proud esteemed grandfather of Dan, Carolyne (Peter), Jenny (Bruno), Mandi (John), Becca (Jose), Jake, Robert, Clair, Garrett (Mimi), Brad (Grace), Max (Jess), Luke, Toby, Frankie, Dusty, Anthony (Rochelle), Joey (Kim), Sam (Reina), Nick, Kevin (Julia), Kurt (Becca), Tommy, Johnny, Alex, Ryan, Mikey and Elise,
Great grandfather of Lily, Cayden and Madeleine.
Staring out the window, of St. Mary’s Convent and orphanage in Phoenix, Arizona, as his mother slowly walked away, Joe, at the young age of three and his older siblings, could not have known that would be the last time they would ever be with her. Joe believes that he saw her once more in the back of the church as he made his First Communion. He would spend the rest of his life searching for his mother, to no avail, not even a death certificate. In 1939, Joe was separated from his siblings and placed in four different foster homes.
After foster home placement, Joe entered the famous Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. Once there, Joe was assigned many different duties; washing dishes, cleaning and serving food. Eventually, Joe earned the high privilege of acting as Father Flanagan’s butler. Remarkably, he was elected Mayor of Boys Town after only two years and proceeded to graduate as valedictorian of his class of 45 boys.
Upon graduation of Boys Town, Joe joined the Navy. He saved every penny of his salary, keeping in mind his goal of earning a college degree. After three years, he had earned a modest sum of sixteen hundred dollars. While in the Navy, he met his “sweetie pie” Dorothy O’Donnell. It was love at first sight.
Joe applied and was accepted at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, paying his own tuition of two hundred and fifty dollars per semester. He rented a room at 330 N. Notre Dame Avenue for one dollar a day. His college days were littered with obstacles, from juggling a full class schedule, a full time job with a local grocer, to being called back to active duty to the Navy for the Korean War, to marrying and having two children of his eventual eight children. Despite these exceptionally difficult circumstances, in 1957 Joe succeeded in graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in journalism.
Joe was eternally optimistic, when asked how he was, he would reply “I feel like a million bucks”, “couldn’t be better”. While visiting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren he would always say “you’re growin like a weed”. He had a great positive attitude. He was extremely welcoming, and unconditionally compassionate. He was a voracious learner. After learning and mastering a subject, he would quickly dive headfirst into a new subject, only to master it as well. A brilliant man.
Lastly, Joe will be remembered by the great pride he took as he excitedly talked about and demonstrated the 100 pushups he did every single day. Joe was loved by many and will be greatly missed. We love you”.
A Red, Red Rose
Due to Covid-19, Memorial Services are private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Boys Town. Or www.boystown.org/gift
Arrangements By Steuerle Funeral Home 630-832-4161