William (Bill) Gantzer

William Elliott Gantzer was born in Tacoma, Washington on June 14, 1936. He was raised in New York by his mother Margret (LaPrell) Gantzer. He attended Buffalo University where he earned a master's degree in Geology/Geography.

Lieutenant Commander William Elliott Gantzer served proudly in the United States Navy from 1961 – 1981 and was married to Mary Louise (Prebble) Gantzer during his years of service and they had 8 children together. He was a programmer for the U.S. Navy and when he was honorably discharged, he got a job with IBM as a programmer.

He and Mary Lou moved to California where they raised their family and William served as a leader in the Boy Scouts.

After retirement from IBM, he found he wanted to keep busy, so he worked several jobs over the years: including Radio Shack, real estate, and security. He was actively involved in his community and loved serving with his late wife Connie at the Thousand Oaks Civics Art Plaza and Los Robles Hospital.

William married Constance (Harding) Gantzer in 1999 and they enjoyed 22 years together until she preceded him in death in May 2022. He longed to stay in California, where he spent so much of his life.  However, moving to Carrollton, Texas brought him closer to his son Brian and his family.

Although not a perfect man, he made peace with God for wrongs he had committed and hoped others would too.  He wanted others to find peace with God and have the ability to forgive him. His desire for forgiveness was not because he was right, or his actions were justified; it was because he wanted others to live in freedom; with the help of God.

He tried to be the best husband and father he could be while on earth, he now rests with God, his Heavenly Father forever.

He fought the good fight.

William who often went by Bill will be missed by his children, Catherine Ann (Paul) Kelly, Gretchen Ellen Gantzer, Robert Allen (Mary) Gantzer, Kristen Marie Gantzer (Greg), Gregory William Gantzer, Brian Michael (Judy) Gantzer, Sarah Elizabeth Gantzer; 12 Grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Louise; his son Terrence Gantzer and his 2nd wife Constance (Harding) Gantzer.