William E. D. Jantzen, Sr., 86, a combat veteran of World War II, died peacefully in the company of his family on April 13, 2010, and is making his final voyage to Viking Valhalla.
Mr. Jantzen was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. He graduated from Portsmouth Priory in Portsmouth, RI, and then went to Amherst College. Since 1955, he has been a resident of Hingham, Massachusetts, where he designed and built his home and was active in town affairs.
While attending Amherst College (where he played varsity football), Mr. Jantzen volunteered for service in the United States Navy. He was commissioned an Ensign in June, 1944, after completing the V-12 Program at Williams College (where he played varsity ice hockey) and Naval Midshipmen School (90 – Day Wonder) at Plattsburg, NY. He was assigned to LST 707 and deployed to the Pacific Theatre. He participated in operations throughout the Pacific including Leyte Gulf, Lingayen Gulf, and Tacloban, ultimately leading to the Liberation of The Philippines. While assigned to LST 707, Mr. Jantzen held the billets of Communications Officer, Gunnery Officer and Commanding Officer. He was present in Tokyo Bay for the signing of Japan’s unconditional surrender to The United States of America in 1945. His decorations include three bronze battle stars, multiple campaign ribbons and commendations. He participated in thirteen combat assault landings. Mr. Jantzen was honorably discharged from the Navy at the rank of LT j.g. in September, 1946, and completed his degree at Amherst College in 1947.
Mr. Jantzen worked in the chemical processing industry in New Jersey and Boston. While in the Boston area, he founded and owned The New England Greenhouse Company. Later, he was Vice President of New England Decks and Floors, Inc. (NED Finc). When not slaving away for his family, Mr. Jantzen enjoyed coaching his sons’ sports, gardening, sailing with his children, eating Brigham’s ice cream (mocha chip) and assembling intricate ham radio towers with his son, Tom.
Mr. Jantzen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gloria Curran Jantzen; his five children, Ellen C. Jantzen, M.D., William E.D. Jantzen, D.D.S, Katherine Jantzen Glazier, Thomas C. Jantzen, and Erik J. Jantzen. He is also survived by two granddaughters and eight grandsons. He was pre-deceased by his parents and four siblings.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham, on Sunday, April 18 from 2-5 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Resurrection, 1057 Main Street, Hingham on Patriot's Day, Monday, April 19 at 10 am.
A private military burial will be held at the Massachusetts National Veterans Cemetery, Bourne, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.(woundedwarriorproject.org) P. O. Box 758517, Topeks, KS 66675 .