Bennie E. "Ben" Gantz

Bennie E. Gantz (“Ben”), 86, of Dublin, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, surrounded by family after a lengthy illness. Born on February 23, 1940, in Wadsworth, Ohio, Ben graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration. He began his career as a shoe buyer for Lazarus, where he enjoyed traveling the world, and later helped establish a wholesale music supply company and a chain of 55 record stores, growing a lifelong love of music that was reflected in his vinyl and CD collection. He went on to spend a decade as a financial planner with MassMutual before retiring in 2005. Ben’s greatest joy was found outside of work. A lifelong gardener, he became part of the Ohio State Master Gardener class of 2006 and volunteered for nearly 20 years, generously sharing his knowledge. His yard, always immaculate and full of life, reflected his patience and care. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, collecting coins and seashells, and cheering on Ohio State football and basketball. He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports, offering quiet encouragement and steady guidance. Ben is survived by his wife, Carol K., whom he married 59 years ago on September 3, 1966. They met in Columbus and soon settled in Dublin, where they built a home and raised a family they were immensely proud of. He is also survived by his son, Mike (Teresa); daughters, Nicole (Jason) Fox and Katie (Billy) Corbin; grandchildren, Brooke (Keaton) Meyer, Emma and Winston Fox, Abigail Corbin, Jessica Gantz, Julianne and Mitchell Corbin; and great-grandchild, Vivian Meyer. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Barry (Trudi) Britt, and sister-in-law, Jill (Tim) Richey, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Donald Gantz, and his in-laws, Minnie and William Britt. Visitation will be held at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, Ohio, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A short remembrance will be shared by his son at 4:00 p.m. Ben will be remembered as a calm, kind, and steady presence, a true patriarch whose love and example will live on in his family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered in the simple things he loved, including a well-tended garden, a tropical fish aquarium, time spent with his beloved hunting dogs, and walks on the beach. Donations in his memory may be made to the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Checks can be made payable to Franklin County Master Gardeners and mailed to: OSU Extension, 2548 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Please include Ben’s name on the memo line.

Bennie E. "Ben" Gantz

February 23, 1940 - April 15, 2026