Obituaries

June Ellen Lykens Lantz, 84

September 24, 2019

June Ellen Lykens Lantz, 84, of Lancaster, passed into the loving arms of her Father in Heaven on September 24, 2019. Born in Reading, PA, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Paul and Anna Lykens and the loving wife of Rev. W. Frank Lantz.

A graduate of Reading High School, June attended Lebanon Valley College. A member of the Class of 1957, she received a Bachelors of Science in Music Education. June continued her education at Penn State University where she received her Masters Degree. After student teaching in Hershey, PA, June taught in the Dayton, OH school system for three years while her husband completed Seminary training. They returned to PA, and June taught private piano lessons in addition to teaching in the Frackville and St. Clair schools. When they moved to Lancaster, June began teaching music at Warwick School District, where she worked for almost twenty-five years, until her retirement in 1993. While at Warwick High School, she directed many wonderful musicals and Christmas concerts. She felt her greatest accomplishment was when her Warwick High School Glee Club sang at the Washington Cathedral in Washington D.C.

June was an incredibly talented musician. With perfect pitch, she could read music before she could read words. June began playing the organ in church services when she was only 10 years old. She was the organist and choir director in many churches in Dayton, OH, Frackville, and Lancaster areas. For the past 14 years, she shared her talents with the congregation of Hempfield Church of the Brethren. June’s love of music, both instrumental and vocal, sustained her warm and joyous spirit all through her wonderful life. Those who served under her direction will remember the demands she set on performance.

June was involved in the American Guild of Organists, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, National Education Association, and the National Association for Music Education. She was also a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in East Petersburg.

Family and music were the loves of her life and she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her loving husband of 64 years, Rev. W. Frank Lantz, her daughter, Annmarie Lantz Gover, Esq. of Mechanicsburg, PA, her son Timothy Paul Lantz and daughter-in-law Donna Lantz of Lancaster. She will also be missed by her four grandchildren; John Gover and his wife Colleen of CT, Andrew Gover of NC, Cameron Lantz, and Paige Lantz, both of Leola, a sister, Dorothy Ann Lykens of Reading, a sister-in-law Doris Lykens of Shillington, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Mary Leister of Reading, John Lykens of Shillington, and Fannie Valentino of Reading.

A musical Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:30am at Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W Orange St, Lititz, PA 17543. Guests will be received prior to the service, starting at 9:30am. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. June was of the belief that we should “always look for the sparkles in life.” The family requests that guests wear something bright that sparkles and shines to celebrate June’s life! In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice & Community Care at 685 Good Dr. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

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Condolences to the Family

October 11, 2019

June was a colleague of mine at Warwick High School for many years, and I worked closely as her choreographer for several musicals. I also knew her through the Lititz Church of the Brethren. Often at Warwick, she would have lunch at the same time I did, and we chatted about family, mutual friends, and education. She always gave her best to every effort, and I appreciated her positivity and sense of humor. I will be out of town on November 2 and won’t be able to attend the musical memorial service, which, I am certain, will be a wonderful tribute. I offer the entire family my condolences. June left a mark wherever she went. May memories be a comfort at this time. 
Deann Buffington

October 09, 2019

We dearly miss June. She was always happy and smiling. She was our extremely gifted, expert organist and part of our family at Hempfield Church of the Brethren. 
Dennis and Shirley Bushong

October 09, 2019

Dear oversea-family! I deeply am touched by the passing-away of my dear friend and sister-in-Christ, June. we shared the music-gift so deeply and much, much I loved her way of singing and playing and encouraging myself in our concerts! Se was so powerfull and at the same time so high-sensitive that I still often hear her voice and read her comments in the partiture of John Rutters Requiem, wich I got from her.
May her soul rest in peace and her humor may stay in us for ever!!
Maria den Hertog

September 29, 2019

Dear Lantz family, June was my choral teacher at Warwick from 1968-1973, and a big part of the reason I became a choral music teacher. She was patient, motivating, inspirational and taught us all a love for music. She spent countless hours with the special ensembles and district chorus trout’s. Fun times were at your home when she’s have special small ensembles rehearse there occasionally! Love to all and I know that David is playing his harp for her now!
Joyce Myer Gerstenlauer

September 29, 2019

Oh Mrs. Lantz…..I had the joy of singing and playing piano in Glee Club under her tutelage.   She created the best shows and put her heart and soul into it.  She required much of us, and that carried with me through life in the best way.  She was always dressed to the nines and so classy.  What a joy to have known her.  Peace and comfort to the family!
Wendy Landis Johnson

September 27, 2019

June will forever hold a huge place in my heart and I will miss her smiles and personality. I loved taking care of june she was the brightest part of my days. Hugs to all of you.
Nicole Leaman

Visitation
Saturday, November 02, 2019
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Lititz Church of the Brethren
300 W Orange Street
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Saturday, November 02, 2019
10:30 AM
Lititz Church of the Brethren
300 W Orange Street
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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