Mahlon L. Lantz

Mahlon “Mel” Lantz, age 95, passed away peacefully on April 15, surrounded by his loving family.

Mel proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a radarman aboard a destroyer escort. Following his military service, he pursued his passion for the natural world, earning a Bachelor of Science in Fishery Biology from Utah State University. He went on to work in fishery management at Yellowstone National Park, where he combined his love of the outdoors with his professional life.

In 1955, Mel married Norma Lantz and had two children Stephen and Valeri. Together they built a life grounded in family, education, and service. After their marriage, Mel returned to school to become a school counselor, beginning a long and impactful career in education. He later served as Director of Human Resources for the Kalamazoo Public Schools, where he hired thousands of teachers, worked under seven superintendents and negotiated with nine unions. Among his many contributions, Mel considered his role in helping to desegregate the school system to be his most meaningful professional accomplishment.

Mel was a man of many talents and interests. He loved reading, bowling, trout fishing, birdwatching, and traveling. He was also an accomplished wood carver and a dedicated memoir writer, always eager to reflect on and share his life experiences.

After Norma’s passing in 2005, Mel moved to Long Island to live with his daughter, Valeri, and son-in-law, Steve, where he also helped care for his beloved grandchildren, Alex and Hope. He remained intellectually active, studying for 20 years with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Stony Brook University, where he developed particular interests in finance, current events, and memoir writing.

In his later years, Mel moved to The Bristal Assisted Living in Mount Sinai, New York, where he formed close friendships and embraced community life. He participated in improvisation and glee club and played an active role in expanding the creative writing workshop, continuing to inspire those around him.

Mel was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Lantz, and his son, Stephen Lantz. He is survived by his daughter, Valeri Lantz-Gefroh; his son-in-law, Steve; his grandchildren, Alex and Hope; and his dear companion, Loretta Reiter.

Mel will be remembered for his warmth, intellect, creativity, and deep commitment to family, education, and community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

Family and friends are welcome to gather from 9:30 am until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Adams – Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Immediately following the service, he will be laid to rest with military honors at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, Kalamazoo. For those wishing to make a contribution in Mel’s memory, the family suggests No Kid Hungry or Trout Unlimited.