Randall Schantz

‘If well-being, serenity, and service to others are the ultimate measures of a man’s true wealth, success, and value,’ then Randy Schantz lived his life truly. 

Randall Lee Schantz, 79, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at his home in Saginaw, Michigan, after a brief illness.

Randy was born in Wauseon, Ohio, on June 9, 1947, to Kenneth and Magdalene Schantz. 

The oldest of four sons, his strong work ethic showed early on, assisting his father with the family’s Schantz and Son egg production business, delivering fresh eggs to Detroit’s Eastern Market, as well as working at the local A&P grocery store during high school, and at the Fulton County and Wood County, Ohio Road Commissions during college. 

Randy set his education goals high, paying his own way through Bowling Green State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Pathology, and went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Special Education Administration at Eastern Michigan University.

He met his “sweet patootie”, Cinda Richardson, during his first few weeks at Bowling Green, and after dating four years, they were married on August 16, 1969. Their family grew as they welcomed a daughter, Stephanie, and a son, Eric, who hold precious memories around camping trips, coaching, going to Disney movies, playing music together, and the careful way their dad listened and supported them. 

Randy was happiest when he was with friends and family, and making music with his treasured musicians friends - Eclectic Junction, the Midland Folk Music Society, as well as music camps at the Augusta Festival at Davis College and Augusta Festival, Davis & Elkins College, West Virginia. In 2019, Randy and Cinda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a Woodstock-themed “Love In” at Imerman Memorial Park, partying with music, singing, and dancing.

Randy spent his 44-year special education career in the greater mid-Michigan area where he served in a variety of roles over the years:  Director of Special Education at the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District; Supervisor, Saginaw Intermediate School District, Millet Educational Center; Special Education Supervisor, Tuscola Intermediate School District; Speech Pathologist at the Flint Beecher School District; and Saginaw Public Schools as a special education consultant. 

Respected for his ability to listen, problem-solve, and create a reliable and trustworthy relationship with his staff, fellow professionals, and his community, he had a remarkable career. 

These qualities were further exemplified by Randy receiving the 2009 Murray Batten Leadership Award from the Michigan Association of Special Education Administrators. In addition, he was a recipient of the Michigan Investing in Ability Education Award, a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services. He was additionally honored with the U.S. Army Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. 

Randy’s community service roles included the City of Saginaw Historic Commission; City of Saginaw Human Service Commission; HealthSource Saginaw Advisory Board; Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education; Trustee, Elder, and Deacon in the Presbyterian Church; and Woman’s National Farm & Garden “Assistant”. 

His service to local organizations included the Free and Accepted Masons (F&AM) Saginaw Lodge No. 77, Past Master; and Midland Music Folk Society, Festival Chairman.

Randy will live in the hearts of Cinda, his wife of 56 years, his daughter Stephanie (Jason), his son Eric, and grandson Cedar Skinner; brothers Rick (Verlinda) Schantz, Kim (Julie) Schantz; nephews and nieces Jaralyn (Terry) Ford, Brandon (Stephanie), Dillon, Brittany (Curtis) Pray, Krista (Scott) Irelan; great nieces and nephews Regan, Rylee, Paige, Gabriel, Gunnar; great-great nephew Branson; brother-in-law Gregg Richardson; and his wonderful community of friends. Preceding Randy in death are his parents; his brother Barry, and nieces Sherry Kay and Sarah.

Memorials/donations may be made in Randy’s name to the Saginaw Branch of Woman’s National Farm and Garden’s Centennial Project-100 Years, 100 Trees, Hundreds of Women; The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation, 1200 Wright Ave, Alma, MI 48801. 

A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00p.m. until 4:00p.m., on Saturday,  August 22, 2026, at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 North Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan, 48602. A reception will be held at 5:00p.m., opening with the Masonic Rite for Randy, at the Masonic Lodge from, 2655 North Center Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603.

For information, please contact Fischer Family Funeral Services, 989-755-8277. To express your condolences online, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com