Michael R. Schantz

Michael R. Schantz, 71, of Waldron, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at IU Health Methodist Hospital. Mike was born June 1, 1953, in Shelbyville, the son of Paul and Marilyn (Webster) Schantz. He married Pat Meal on October 7, 2000, she survives.

Mike is also survived by his daughter, Meghan Schantz, of Shelbyville; son, Daniel Schantz of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Alexa, Kylynne, and Logann Schantz, all of Shelbyville; and lifetime friend, Steve Mathies.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Marion Six; in-laws, Richard and Audrey Meal, and a very special aunt, Josephine Webster.

In 1971, Mike graduated from Shelbyville High School, then furthered his education and graduated from Lincoln Tech. He completed paramedic training and went on to be one of the two first paramedics in Shelby County, IN. He completed the fire academy, and police academy (in both Indiana and Florida) and served on the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. He also completed the fire academy, which lead to a long career as a firefighter in Washington Township before he retired in 2005. He also served as the fire chief in Greensburg, IN later in his career. Mike truly loved being part of the fire department and often shared stories with his family and friends of these times. He kept in touch with many of his fellow firefighters and cherished all the years of friendship.

Mike spent the majority of his career serving the community, and was the first full time Emergency Management director for Shelby County. He was a member of the Shelby Masonic Lodge No. 28 F&AM. He was awarded “Boy of the Year” by the Shelbyville Boy’s Club.

He enjoyed golfing with his friends, and the wonderful friendship he gained from those times. Mike loved to travel, go on RV trips, and spending time with his beloved wife, Pat, and very loved children and grandchildren. He was a lover of all animals, and had two beloved dogs, Bebe and Bix.

Friends may gather starting at 9:30am on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 3484 S 725 E, Waldron, IN 46182, followed by the celebration of Mike’s life at 10am, with Pastor Kim DeKoker (Waldron Baptist Church) officiating. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

This is an outdoor event and casual dress is appropriate. Please consider bringing a chair for your own comfort during the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Waldron Fire Department; St. Paul Fire Department; or the Waldron Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be shared with Mike’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralomes.com.