Roger Dwight Kantner

Roger D. Kantner, 89, of Wapakoneta, died Sun. morning, Oct. 9, 2022, at his home with his family at his side. He was born Dec. 29, 1932, near Wapakoneta in Auglaize Co., the son of the late Ray and Marguerite (Smith) Kantner. On April 15, 1956, he married Jean Ann (Walther) Kantner, and she survives. Other survives include, 3 sons, Randy (Deb) Kantner, Goshen, IN, Ross (Beth) Kantner, Wapakoneta, Dr. Ronald (Tracey) Kantner, Wapakoneta; grandchildren, Rachel (Katie) McFarland, Ryan Holdeman, Seth Holdeman, Ryan (Abby) Kantner, Kaitlin (Sean) Mulligan, Shelly (Mike) Nagel, Alexis (Chris) Kline, Royce (Madi) Kantner; great grandchildren, Alida, Dylan, & Wyatt McFarland; Cecelia & Max Nagel; Audie, Loretta & Luke Kline; Reagan, Lucy, & Evie Kantner; Rhori, and soon to arrive, Henry Mulligan; a sister, Evelyn (Kantner) Roediger, Wapakoneta, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Roger retired in 1989 as a teacher from Blume Junior High School, and will be remembered as the first principal of Northridge Elementary School. He also taught and coached at Waynesfield Goshen and United Local Schools. He was a professional photographer, and along with his wife Jean, owned and operated Roger Kantner Photography. He also traveled with and worked for the Kohlrieser Holiday Animal Shows and Diamond K Donkey Basketball. Roger was a 1951 graduate of Blume High School, Wapakoneta. In 1959, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from ONU, graduating with distinction, and in 1965, he received his Master of Science in Education Degree from BGSU. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving from 1954-1956. Roger’s memberships included, the First United Methodist Church, the Ohio Education Assn., National Reining Horse Assn., Hamer Lodge #167 F. & A.M., Royal Arch Masons, and American Legion Post #330. While competing in the National Reining Horse Assn. events, he won the Royale Rookie of the Year Award being the oldest ever to win the award. Roger & Jean Ann traveled extensively, having visited all 50 states and 5 provinces of Canada. They enjoyed wintering in Winter Haven, Florida for many years. A Celebration of Life Service for Roger will be at 3:30 p.m. Sat. Nov. 5, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, Wapakoneta, with Pastor Michael Westbay officiating. Prior to the memorial service the family will receive friends from 1-3:30 p.m. A private family burial was held in the Greenlawn Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Rita’s Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, Wapakoneta, where condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Roger Dwight Kantner

December 29, 1932 - October 9, 2022