Steve Bantz, age 72, died Wednesday December 4, 2024 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital following an extended illness.  Born in Hartford City on August 12, 1952, he grew up near Redkey and was a 1970 graduate of Redkey High School.  Steve lived in Roanoke, Indiana for 18 years before recently moving to Muncie.  He worked 26 years for General Motors before retiring in 2021.  In earlier years he worked on a tie gang with Norfolk & Southern Railroad.  He also served on the Dunkirk Police Department.  Steve was a member of Halfway Lodge No. 298, F. & A.M., Redkey, and U.A.W. Local 2209.  He collected guns & knives and enjoyed target shooting, walking his dog, and riding his e-bike.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Martha Bantz, and their sons: Dustin Bantz (wife: Brooke), Albany, and Derek Bantz (wife: Jennifer), Muncie; granddaughter: Scarlett Hatzell, and sister-in-law: Jean Bantz, Redkey.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Gordon & Bessie (Haynes) Bantz, and brother: Rex Bantz.

Visiting hours are Saturday December 7, 2024 from 12 until 1 p.m. at Meacham Funeral Service.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with Masonic rites.

Entombment will take place at Gardens of Memory Cemetery on Monday.

Memorials may be sent to Animal Rescue Fund (A.R.F.), 1209 W. Riggin Rd., Muncie, IN 47303.

The funeral will be streamed online from a link provided on this webpage.