"Uncle Dave was not only my uncle but my God Father. I so appreciate that Mom and Dad chose him. Dave was always dedicated and took that job quite seriously. He and Donna always welcomed Bob and I into their home, as well as my daughters and their families when traveling to Minnesota or visiting Mom and Dad when they were residents of Pine Haven. He was a dedicated younger brother with visiting Dad in Pine Haven and would help in anyway we would ask. I always enjoyed it when Dave shared countless stories of our family history over that cold glass of beer. Dave was a true family man. There will always be a place in my heart for Uncle Dave and my Aunt Donna too. I will miss my visits. My deepest sympathies to Donna, Dana and Dan and their families. Love and God Bless. Cathy and Bob"
In loving memory of
David Charles Schrantz
January 23, 1938 - May 2, 2023
David Charles Schrantz, age 85, of Rochester, Minnesota died on May 2, 2023 at his home at the Homestead of Rochester.
Dave was born on January 23, 1938 in Slayton, MN to Leon and Cecilia (Sieve) Schrantz. He grew up there, graduating from Slayton High School. He went on to attend St. John's University and later graduated from Mankato State. Following graduation, he taught junior high math in Mandan, ND where he met his wife of almost 60 years, Donna Schaffer. Dave and Donna were married on December 28, 1963 in Bismarck, ND. They moved to St. Paul and then to Bucks County, PA where he worked at UNIVAC. Dave and Donna moved to Rochester in 1967 where he then worked at Mayo Clinic pioneering the electronic data processing unit as the first manager. He continued his career in information technology at Mayo retiring in 1999 after 32 years of service. In retirement he continued his support of Mayo as a member of the Emeriti Association.
Dave discovered golfing in retirement and spent many hours on courses in both Pine Island and at his winter home in Ft. Myers, FL. He also enjoyed fishing, college basketball and anyone that was interested in grabbing a cold beer and conversation. What Dave will probably most be remembered for was his big heart and his wicked sense of humor.
David is survived by his wife Donna; children Daniel (Diane) Schrantz, Dana (Stephen) Sohm; grandchildren Kathryn Sohm, Eleanor Schrantz, Abigail Sohm, Sophia Sohm and Geoffrey Schrantz; siblings Joan Getzel, Mike (Jan) Schrantz, Thomas (Deb) Schrantz.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother James Schrantz and an infant brother.
Memorials preferred to the Habitat for Humanity or Alzheimer's Research.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal PL NW, Rochester, MN). Visitation will be Friday, May 5, 2023 from 4-7 PM and continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Schrantz family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"Donna & Family, So sad to say goodbye to Dave. He was one of the first IT staff I met when I joined Mayo in 1969. He was always willing to share his wise counsel, his knowledge of IT and Mayo in general. His smile, his friendship and the hours of golf together in Pine Island will always be treasured. Dave, wherever you are, I hope you brought your clubs along! Al Schilmoeller"
"We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. A donation has been made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation. Thinking of you all, The co-workers of Maria Schrantz (niece of Dave)"
"Uncle Dave, I will miss that infectious laugh of yours and your incredible knowledge especially of the Schrantz and Sieve families. I learned so much about our history from you. I can not even begin to thank you and Donna for all your visits with our dad when he was in Pine Haven. You are going to be sorely missed Uncle Dave. Love, Becky and Ed"
"Uncle Dave, You and Donna and your family are loved and we will miss Uncle Dave. I?ll remember all the times we had together and tell a few stories too! We?ll never have to say goodbye again. Love, Pam and Kevin "