Theodore "Ted" Jantz

Ted Jantz was born August 21, 1950, in Newton, Kansas, to Cecil and Florence Jantz. The third of four children and the only son, he grew up with sisters Joan, Patti, and Marsha. Ted would share the only negative thing about growing up with sisters were the hand-me downs. A passionate athlete, Ted participated in football, basketball, and baseball at Newton High School, graduating in 1968. He continued playing football at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, and married his next-door neighbor and hometown sweetheart, Jennifer Jackson, in 1970.

Ted began his teaching and coaching career in Lansing, Kansas, where he was named Leavenworth Times Football Coach of the Year in 1982. During their time in Lansing, Ted and Jennifer welcomed three children: Eli, Reagan, and Zach.

After 13 years, the family returned to Newton, where Ted continued teaching PE, Health, and Driver’s Education while coaching football. His accomplishments included being named 1989 AVL Coach of the Year, leading Newton High School to state playoffs in 1991 and 1992, and coaching in the 1993 Kansas Shrine Bowl. He retired from coaching in 1999 and from teaching in 2005, holding the record for the most football wins in Newton High School history.

In retirement, Ted stayed busy remodeling homes, building sheds and fences, creating koi ponds, and working with Roofing Services Unlimited, where he enjoyed meeting new people and sharing his humor. In 2021, he was inducted into the Newton High School Sports Hall of Fame for his coaching career.

Ted loved country living and spending time with his grandchildren—hosting bonfires, pulling sleds behind tractors, and teaching them to drive. Known for his humor and hospitality, he hosted annual horseshoe tournaments and was always ready with a joke. He served in leadership roles at Zion Lutheran Church and took pride in always looking dapper on Sundays.

After Myotonic Dystrophy limited his mobility, Ted, Jennifer and Zach moved into town in October 2021, where he continued hosting friends and family for card games and laughter.

Ted passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026. He will be remembered as a dedicated coach, teacher, and community member who positively influenced many lives.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; children, Eli (Amanda) Jantz, Reagan Seidl, and Zach Jantz; grandchildren, Jackson (Fayeth) Jantz, Jonah Jantz, Annie Jantz, Piper Seidl, and Kennedy Seidl; brother-in-law, Russ Penrose; sisters, Patti (Karth) Turnage and Marsha Thiesen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joan Penrose; and brother-in-law, Lowell Thiesen.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 9, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Petersen’s Funeral Home in Newton. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 10, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Newton, with graveside service at Restlawn Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or USD 373 (Memo: NHS Football) in care of the funeral home.

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