Joel Lee Mantz's Obituary
Joel Mantz, age 51, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, December 16th. Joel was born May 16, 1965, in Sheboygan, WI; the first child of Jack and Karen Mantz.
It is difficult to describe this unique man, and few people were ever privy to who he was inside. He was his own man, in every way, and lived his life the best way he knew how. We didn't just love him -- we respected him for always being true to himself.
When he was around 7 years old, he and his brother were climbing trees when he fell approximately 50 feet and broke his arm, right below the shoulder. The location was not suitable for a cast, so he had to wear a sling for several weeks, keeping that arm as immobile as possible. Instead, he played baseball with the neighbor boys with one arm. When the time came to go back for follow up X-rays, he was warned that, because of his behavior, it was entirely possible the arm would have to be re-broken and start all over again if it didn't heal properly. Of course it "knit" perfectly and his mom received a mischievous little smirk in response to the warning heard on the way to the hospital. That was just one of many similar incidents.
Also at age 7, one morning his mom was not feeling well and had slept late; she awoke to hear Joel saying he had fed his brother and sister, and had changed and fed the baby, but he and his brother now had to leave for school and he wanted to be sure mom was awake.
Joel played baseball and wrestled, starting in Junior High. He never made it to state in wrestling, but not for lack of trying. The Assistant Wrestling Coach, Chuck Peters, was one of the few adults who took the time to get to know "who" Joel really was, and they had great respect for one another. Beginning at age 12, through high school, Joel participated in Little Britches Rodeo. He rode bulls (oh, how he loved scaring his mom by getting hung up) and team roped. Joel was the "heeler" and they did quite well, qualifying for Nationals in Walla Walla, WA. He rode barebacks once but didn't care for that enough to try it again. He also experimented with calf roping, surprising himself with success his one and only time out. He earned the "All Around" award at one of those events. His mom still has the belt buckle. So many wonderful memories that we will forever cherish.
Joel attended Waupaca High School, graduating in 1983 and, in spite of rarely taking books home, maintained an impressive GPA. He later attended UW-Oshkosh, once again excelling in spite of rarely going to class. He was told by one of his professors that if his students didn't show up for class, they would never do well, at least not in HIS class. Joel, true to his nature, considered that a personal challenge; mainly attending only on test days and still ranked first in the class. That was our Joel; challenge issued and accepted.
There are so many stories to be told about him, but, if you could ask him, Joel would tell you that what really mattered in life was his sons. The very best parts of him exist in his sons....his boys....Ryan and Jake. From the day he became a father, bursting into tears with emotion the day they were born, he lived and breathed for those two boys -- now incredible young men. He loved them with his whole heart and soul; there was nothing he wouldn't do for them. He was so proud of both of them, always, and he took great pride in seeing the men they were becoming. His life, from the moment he became a father, was never again about him -- it was all about them. No sacrifice was too great to make to ensure their happiness. Although he and their mother, Jenny, divorced when the boys were quite young, they maintained an amicable and admirable relationship which provided unconditional security and love to their sons.
Joel was employed by A.D. Schinner, in MIlwaukee at the time of his death, and prior to that had been with Valley Bakers in Appleton for approximately 17 years.
Joel is survived by his beloved sons Ryan and Jake, both of Oshkosh, his mother, Karen Malone, Waupaca, WI, his father, Jack Mantz, Phoenix, AZ, his brother Daniel Mantz (Shannon Neuville), Waupaca, WI, sister Dena Mantz (fiancé Andy Lang), Oshkosh, WI, step-brother Jay Schmoll (TX) and half-sister Missy Miller (Sheboygan). He is further survived by many aunts and cousins. Joel was preceded in death by both maternal and paternal grandparents, his sister Kaelynn and step-sister, Tammy Schmoll, as well as numerous aunts and uncles.
Hopefully this "glimpse" into the man that Joel was has been helpful to those who didn't know him, and even those who thought they did. He never pretended to be anything other than who he was, and we consider ourselves so very blessed to have had him in our lives....in our family, and we are broken inside at having to say goodbye to him. We know it's only for a while, Joel, and we will see you again when it is our time. Until then, we will miss your wit, your sarcasm, and watching you with your amazing sons. All of us who love you will do our level best to watch over them, as they continue on their life's journey, as we know you would want us to do. As one of your mom's favorite songs at times like this says -- "Go rest high on that mountain, son, your work on earth is through." You will be forever loved -- forever missed.
Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home, 865 S. Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 30th, from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the funeral home.
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