Fredrick William Gantzer Sr. CMSgt Ret., 74, Norwich died suddenly on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 in his home from an apparent heart attack.

Fred was born on June 18, 1940 in Wheeling, West Virginia to Thomas and Sally (Moore) Gantzer. He was reared and educated in Wheeling and graduated from Tridelphia High School in 1958. Immediately following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and specialized as an aircraft electrician and maintenance person for the B-52 aircraft. He gladly gave 31 years of his life serving his country.

While stationed at Hunter AFB in Savannah, GA, he met the love of his life, Harriet (Corbett). After three months, Fred and Harriet married on January 9, 1961. Their life in the Air Force took them to Eielson AFB in Fairbanks, AK, Yokota AFB in Tokyo, Japan and two terms at Minot AFB in Minot, ND. Additionally, Fred did two tours of duty in Vietnam. After his distinguished military career he worked at Lockheed maintaining T-38 aircraft and at the Minot Municipal Airport.

In all his travels, Fred never met a stranger. He paid careful attention to those around him and had a tender heart for those in need. It wasn\'t unusual for the Gantzer family to secretly buy groceries for a family during tough times.

After having worked on planes for so many years, it was only natural that Fred would get his pilot\'s license. He was the very first member of the Dakota Territory Air Museum and was on their Board of Directors for 20 years. He also proudly served as a McHenry County Tax Assessor for Norwich Township for several years and as a member and councilman of Norwich Lutheran Church. His straight-shooting personality, encouraging words, and sincere hugs will be missed by all who knew Fred. Fred lived life to the fullest and loved his life!

Fred's loving family includes his wife of 54 years, Harriet; Daughter Twila Gantzer of Norwich; Grandchildren: Shelby Gantzer(Jordan Creamer) and Josh Engel; Son Fred Gantzer II of Bismarck; Grandchildren: Bailey, Jordyn, and Justin Gantzer and Brooklyn Berger; Brother: Thomas (Vicky) Gantzer of Tridelphia WV; Nephew: Chris (Jen) Gantzer and Grand Nephew: Dorian.

Celebration of the Life of Fred Gantzer: Monday, January 19, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church Minot.
Interment: Veteran's Section of Rosehill Memorial Park Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from noon until 4:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Homeless Coalition, Disabled American Veterans or Norwich Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.