Frank Marshall Schantz

Frank Marshall Schantz, age 95, of Somerset, passed from this life on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital after an extended illness. Born on November 22, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of the late Dr. Horace M. Schantz and Bernice M. Rice Schantz. A graduate of the Ohio Military Institute, Frank became a dynamic and accomplished inventor. He was credited with creating Schantz Reagent, a chemical used to detect microscopic metal fatigue, and played a key role in the development of hollow turbine blades and shafts for jet engines that allowed aircraft to fly longer and faster. He also spent several years in metallurgical research photography. Known for his strong work ethic, ingenuity, and lifelong commitment to learning, Frank approached every endeavor with dedication and creativity.

He began his Christian faith at Westwood United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, where he and his family were longtime members. A member of the Maketewah Country Club, he found deep purpose in his Photography Unlimited Program, through which he sponsored sports activities for more than 33,000 children each year from 1971 to 1997. He considered this work his greatest accomplishment, as it allowed him to honor God and the memory of his loving parents.

Frank was a loving, caring, and generous husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his devoted wife, Janice Carr Schantz, whom he married on August 20, 1999, in Williamsburg, Kentucky; three daughters, Mary Ann Cooper and Linda Chadwell of Somerset and Gail Sievering of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one son, James “Jimmy” Wiese of Toney, Alabama; five grandchildren, Heather Luther, Earl Bryant, Ray Sievering, Crystal Sievering, and Andrew Wiese; four step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom loved him dearly. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Wiese.