Ernie Schantz

Ernest A. Schantz, 90, of Hebron, ND was called to heaven on January 20th, 2024 at the Marion Manor Health Care Center in Glen Ullin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Hebron with Father Gary Benz as celebrant.  Burial will follow in the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery.  A rosary will begin at 10:00 AM Saturday at the church. 

Ernie was born on July 27, 1933 in rural Glen Ullin, ND to George and Tecla (Anton) Schantz. Ernie grew up in Glen Ullin and helped his family on the farm as a young boy. He had a strong work ethic from early on and a love for farming. 

Ernie married Mary Kokot on November 4th, 1953 in Hebron, ND at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.  They moved to a farm south of Hebron after their marriage.  In 1957, they purchased the Fred Senne farm in Hebron and began their own farming operation, making it their permanent home where they raised their family of four children.

Ernie was known for his faith and his love of family and friends.  He loved the simple things in life; family, farming, hunting, gardening and connecting with friends through a game of cards, a chat on the front porch, or a game of pool.   He belonged to a pool league for many years and would often ‘clean the table’ while coaching his opponent how to ‘shoot for shapes’.  He was quiet and reserved but loved others mostly through his actions, warm smile and presence.  In the summertime, in between planting and harvesting, Ernie could be found in his big garden planting, watering and weeding.  He loved growing produce and you would often hear him say each time someone he knew left his home,“need potatoes?”  His mind was always active even in the last couple of years.  Many of his conversations included politics, farming or talking about his newest invention that typically involved some type of farm machinery.  He would spend hours trying to explain his newest ideas to anyone who would listen.   He would always end those invention conversations with “It’s gotta work”! 

Ernie has left his earthly home. However, his presence will always remain in our lives and in our hearts where our love for him and choice to honor him will remain strong in our minds. 

Ernie is survived by his four children, Sandra (Thor) Tessem, Ronald (JoAnn) Schantz, Bryan (Tracey) Schantz, and Kerry (Scott) Patton; siblings, Patsy Glasser, Donald Schantz, George (JoAnne) Schantz, JoAnne (Stanley) Heinemeyer, Bonnie Nelson, Carolyn (Jim) Opp, and Nick Schantz.   Ernie was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Brad (Nicole) Schantz, TJ (Ashley) Schantz, Adam Zimmerman, Abby Zimmerman, Andrew Schantz, Aidan Schantz and Austin Schantz; and two great-grandchildren Bennett Schantz and Allison Schantz.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents, George and Tecla Schantz; his siblings and their spouses, Eugene (Irene) Schantz, Mike Glasser, Polly Schantz, Richard (Loretta) Schantz, Mary Sue Schantz, Smokey Renner, Dale Nelson, Jerome (Susan) Schantz, and Janice (Nick) Mosbrucker.