Roger Schrantz

Madison / Chicago - Roger Schrantz died peacefully on August 22, 2016 in his Chicago-area independent living home due to heart condition complications. After four years of anticipation, he is joining his wife Peggy in eternal life.

He was born on December 15, 1933 in a farmhouse in rural Slayton, Minnesota. He grew up in local Slayton schools, attended St. John's University, entered the army for his two-year duty, and returned to finish his bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota. After working for two years as an electronic sales engineer, he returned to the University for graduate studies in public administration.

1960 was a most eventful year for Roger. He married Margaret (Peggy) Parent in July in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and they moved to Madison to begin a loving 52 years of marriage together. Roger also began a very rewarding 36-year career in Wisconsin state government. He held planning and budget administrative roles for the State Building Commission, the Department of Administration, and the Department of Transportation. He was appreciated and respected.

He and Peggy were blessed with four children: Margaret Ann (Meg, who died in infancy), Christopher, Nicholas, and Zachary. They had a loving home and always supported each of their children through schooling, sports and other activities, and family vacations.

Roger excelled at retirement, and his favorite avocations were visiting his family, travel, music, reading, gardening, and volunteering. He and Peggy found much joy together in Door County. He was active in his church and with community groups, especially the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

When Peggy passed unexpectedly of cancer in 2012, he stayed in Madison for a few years before moving closer to family in the Chicago area. He remembered and honored Peggy in his grieving, and his family was blessed with having him so close. It is a time they cherish.

Roger is survived by three sons Christopher (Jane), Nicholas (Megan), and Zachary (Lisa) and nine grandchildren: Katie, Jessie, Abby, Will, Andrew, Lizzie, Patrick, Sarah, and Dorian. He is also survived by his sister Lois, sisters-in-law Janet and Sharon, brother-in-law Fred, and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy, his infant daughter Meg, his parents Clarence and Frances Schrantz, his brother Robert, and his sister Peggy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11 a.m., preceded with visitation at 10:00 a.m. at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, WI 53711. Burial will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Madison.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434