Carl "Lantz" Ropp

Carl “Lantz” Ropp, 85, of Geneseo, IL, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Allure of Geneseo.  Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Pastor Nathan Bright will officiate.  A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the funeral home.  The family requests that you “please dress casual for this old farmer”.  Memorials may be directed to Erie Christian Church, Hillsdale Fire Department and Antique Engine & Tractor Association.

Lantz was born on October 28, 1936, the son of Carl and Dorothy (Martin) Ropp, in his rural Geneseo home he currently lived in.  He graduated from Hillsdale High School where he met the love of his life, Mary Hanna.  They married on June 9, 1956, at United Brethren, Joslin, IL.  He owned and operated his own farm. He was a member of the Hillsdale Fire Department for 36 years, as well as former chief, the Penny Slough Drainage District for over forty years, member of Erie Christian Church, and the Antique Engine & Tractor Association. Lantz enjoyed Minneapolis-Moline tractors immensely.  He was a joker and especially loved spending time with his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years, Mary, rural Geneseo; daughters, Mona (Chuck) Temple, Rapids City, IL, Kelly West, Geneseo, IL; son, Bruce (Robin) Ropp, rural Geneseo; grandchildren, Eric Temple, Port Byron, IL, Melissa (Colin) Mix, Port Byron, IL, Brock West, Chile, South America, Chelsea West, Geneseo, IL, Hannah (James) Pace, Geneseo, IL, Jordan (Jett) Black, Hillsdale, IL; great-grandchildren, Roman Mix, Myla Mix, and Stormy Black; and sister, Frances (Donald) Schaver, Geneseo, IL.

Lantz was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Ropp; and brothers, Martin Ropp and Walter Ropp.