FORT WAYNE – Dr. Richard L. “Dick” Jontz, 84, Fort Wayne, passed away Nov. 27, 2014. We heard that the weather in Heaven was just perfect for a round of golf. He was born Aug. 3, 1930, in Silver Lake, to Ray and Ethel Metzger Jontz. As a senior medical student, he met a third-grade teacher on a blind date and after a whirlwind three-month romance, on Aug. 20, 1955, he married Jackie Hocker, his wife of 53 years, who died in 2008. He was a lifelong resident of Indiana. He was Phi Beta Kappa at Indiana University, graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine and interned at Detroit Receiving Hospital. He completed his residency in Radiology at I.U. Medical School. He was a captain in the U.S. Army, stationed in Valley Forge, Pa. It was at Valley Forge that they welcomed their first daughter, Janet. After a brief pit stop in Speedway and the birth of their second daughter, Julie, the young family settled permanently in Fort Wayne. He joined Fort Wayne Radiology, and they welcomed another daughter, Jennifer, and a son, Jeff. He was a dedicated I.U. Hurryin’ Hoosier with season football and basketball tickets. He proudly watched his four children graduate from I.U., and rarely missed an opportunity to see them at a game or tailgate celebration. When he retired, he and Jackie became snowbirds at their second home in Florida. Throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, tennis and skiing. Most of all, he loved sharing these pastimes with his family. He was also a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge. He loved his rose garden. The celebrants of his life include his four children: Janet Jontz Carlson, Julie Jontz Renshaw, Jennifer Jontz Hofmann, Jeff Jontz; his sister, Jean Holwager; and brother, Jon Jontz. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Joe Jontz, who passed away in 2001. His family of the heart include John Carlson, Jeff Russ, Robert Hofmann and Chris Ruiz. He loved being a grandpa to his five wonderful grandchildren: Kirby and Kyle Carlson, Jeanette and Jay Renshaw and Jessica Schlotfeld. He is also remembered in life stories and with love by Susie Jontz, Sue Jontz, Jean Moyer, Joan Chambon, Katy Carlson, Hilary Bruick, John and Pat Lee, Bill and Ginny Pettine, nieces, nephews and numerous friends. A celebration of life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St., with Pastor Greg Enstrom officiating. Calling is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Chapel, 8325 Covington Road, and one hour prior to services Saturday. Graveside services and burial are at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake. ***** Memorials to Alzheimer’s Association and First Wayne Street United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent via www.domccombandsons.com
