Mark Putnam Schantz, 58, passed on peacefully with his loved ones surrounding him on June 13, 2009. His mantra at the end of life was open your heart. Those who survive him, and whose hearts are filled with him, include beloved wife, Lee Nielsen, daughters Kate and Jessa, sons Erik and Jon Schickedanz, sons-in-law Dick and Michael, daughters-in-law Ruth and Cheree, and grandson Henri Erik. He is also survived by a bounty of adoring family and friends: mother Grace, siblings Anne and Mark Perlmutter, Victor and Darlene Schantz, Jack and Marsha Schantz, Jill and Terry Frank, Ted and Jennifer Schantz, and Peter and Danni Schantz. He was doting uncle to Sarah, Emily, Betsey, Joe, Mary, John, Becca, Laura, Ella, Amy, Peter, Leah and Ben. He was preceded in death by father, Bruce.
Born in Orrville, Ohio, on September 9, 1950, Mark was raised amongst many immediate and extended family members. A graduate of Orrville High School and Otterbein College, he taught sixth grade in Shaker Heights before he joined American Greetings.
Mark’s life was a study in kindness and courage. At the age of 49, he left corporate America to travel to Africa, a life-long dream, and to pursue a new career path as a furniture designer, builder and restorer. He generated and restored many carefully wrought and enduring pieces of craftsmanship. He and Lee spent many happy years working from their home businesses, walking their two golden retrievers in the Metroparks behind their home, and hosting countless family gatherings, including an annual summer family vacation on the beaches of North Carolina. A master breadmaker, Mark was often baking and giving away his artisanal loafs.
Mark’s gentleness was felt by all who knew him, and he goes before a host of friends who adored him for his humor, attentiveness, and generosity of spirit. Many of Mark’s friendships were rooted in his decades-long study of Gurdjieff, a spiritual practice that fortified him and gave him peace during his illness. His love was boundless and clear; it galvanized and will forever support those who love him.
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