Kenneth A. Hantz
SKANDIA, MI- Kenneth Allen Hantz, 64, of Skandia, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at his home, with his family by his side and under the care of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice.
He was born April 26, 1961, in Duluth, Minnesota, a son of Thomas R. and Maureen J. (Allen) Hantz. Starting in 1964, his family moved back and forth between the Marquette/Skandia area and Duluth, Minnesota. In 1978, his family settled in the Marquette/Skandia area graduating from Gwinn High School in 1980.
Ken worked as a part-time carpenter over the years with his father’s company, Thomas Hantz Contracting. During that same time, he was employed at Red Owl Foods then Tadych’s Marketplace Foods. Ken retired from Tadych’s in November of 2024.
Ken’s greatest joy in life was his family. He loved his wife and sons with a depth that showed in both the big moments and quiet everyday ones. Ken was known for his quick wit and warm sense of humor; Ken could make any room brighter just by being in it. He was an avid sports fan with an unwavering love for the Minnesota Vikings & Minnesota Twins. Ken was also a NMU Hockey season ticket holder and enjoyed attending games with friends and family. Ken’s presence, laughter and steadfast support will be remembered by all who knew him, because truly, everyone who met Ken loved him.
Throughout his life, Ken enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, bowling, gardening, and dirt biking in his youth. He was active in Boy Scout Troop 302. Ken also loved spending time with family-camping together and cooking his famous bacon over an open fire, a simple tradition that became a treasured memory for those who shared it with him.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Suzette (Eckloff) Hantz of Skandia; sons, Kristopher A. Hantz of Marquette and Kyle A. (Audrey) Hantz of Marquette; siblings, Kathleen Evans, Betty Jean Richer, Julianne (Vaughn) McDaniell II, Geraldine (Aaron) Barber, Alene (Steve) Colvin, Susan (John) High, Warren (Gail) Hantz, David (Jennifer) Hantz, Donald (Kim) Hantz; several nieces & nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Maureen, and brothers-in-law Michael Evans and Leo Richer.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 4:00pm at St. Louis the King Catholic Church with Rev. Thomas Merkel officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00pm until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the Mass. Interment will take place in the Spring at the West Branch Township Cemetery.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com