Harley Fox Gantz

Harley Fox Gantz, 90, of Baraboo entered into eternal rest on Sunday, September 17, 2017, at the St. Clare Meadows Care Center. Harley was born on January 31, 1927, in Sharpesville PA, the son of Carl K. and Ann Rachael (Cameron) Gantz. Harley was united in marriage to Diana May Wilkins on Sept. 11, 1948, in Sharon, Pa, and enjoyed 66 years of marriage until the passing of Diana in 2015.Harley left high school during his mid-senior year (1945) to answer his call of duty. Harley was able to attend his high school graduation, wearing his Navy dress blues, promptly leaving to join the war effort. As a Seaman 1st Class, Harley served aboard Naval escort Destroyer, USS Fred T Berry, assigned to the War in the Pacific. Harley earned ribbons for serving in the Asia-Pacific Campaign, the American Campaign, and earned the Victory Medal at the conclusion of the WWII.After the war, Harley attended Michigan State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the College of Agriculture and a Bachelor of Science in Forestry (1951).After college Harley and his wife Diana settled in Cattaraugus, New York and started a family. Harley worked for several US and Canadian Veneer manufacturers and traveled throughout the US during his business years. Harley and Diana lived in Virginia, Illinois, and Iowa, before making a final home in Baraboo, WI.Harley's life passions were woodworking and the outdoors. Harley built a summer home with a pond on the property he nurtured for over 50 years. He and his wife, Diana, spent many enjoyable decades entertaining friends and family at his upstate New York home located in the Allegany National Forest. Harley enjoyed making furniture for his four children, and making wooden toys for his 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.Harley was active in the Methodist church in the communities in which he lived and was also a Boy Scout leader. During retirement, Harley kept active volunteering as a driver for the Mississippi Valley Blood Center and Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed traveling with Diana throughout the US.Harley is survived by his 4 children; Laurel Willhouse, Christopher (Mary) Gantz, Derwin Gantz and Cameron Gantz.Harley was preceded in death by his parents: Carl and Rachael, and sister Delores J (Gantz) Klass.A private family remembrance and celebration of his life will take place in early October. Harley will be buried along with his beloved wife Diana in the Veterans section of the Walnut Hill Cemetery, Baraboo.Friends who wish to remember him should consider memorials to First United Methodist Church of Baraboo, 615 Broadway St., Baraboo, WI 53913.Harley's family would like to thank the staff of St. Clare Meadows for loving care, help and support for Harley in his final years, and to the The Redlin Funeral Home who is assisting the family.