Obituary of Milo Shantz

<h1>Milo Shantz</h1> 1932 - 2009 Milo Shantz died at home Tuesday, January 06, 2009 at the age of 76. Beloved husband of Laura Shantz (Martin). Loving father of Jenny Shantz (Willem Moolenbeek), Christine Shantz, Sandra Shantz (Tania Benninger), Margaret Shantz (Greg Bezzo), Marcus (Lisa) Shantz. Cherished grandpa of Jacob, Kira, Laura, Timothy, Nathan and Martin. Milo is survived by his brother Ross and Erma Shantz. Also sadly missed by Laura’s family, Florence Wideman, Viola and George Wallace, Ellen Moyer, Abner and Shirley Martin, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Irvin and Lovina Shantz (Roth) and grandson Adam Daniel Shantz. Milo spent his early years working on the family farm and at the age of 21 purchased his first 500 turkey poults. Milo’s early involvement in the poultry business developed into Hybrid Turkeys, a global turkey breeding company, which he was actively involved with until 1981. In 1975, Milo and Laura opened the Stone Crock Restaurant in St. Jacobs. As chairman of Mercedes Corporation and the Stone Crock Inc., Milo was instrumental in developing St. Jacobs Country into a popular destination. A special project was The Mennonite Story interpretive centre, where he recently led a major creative renovation despite his failing health. Milo served on many boards and organizations throughout his life, among them Mennonite Economic Development Associates, Habitat for Humanity, St Mary’s Hospital, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Conrad Grebel College, Community Futures and the Woldemar Neufeld Art Collection. Milo was often recognized for his entrepreneurship and community involvement including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the Confederation Medal and an Honorary Doctorate from the Wilfrid Laurier University. The family will receive friends and family at the Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Road in Waterloo on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday, January 8 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the Waterloo North Mennonite Church, on Friday, January 9, at 2:00p.m. Interment will follow at the St. Jacobs Mennonite Cemetery. Condolences for the family and donations to MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) or Mennonite World Conference can be arranged through the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.