Russell E. Lantz Sr., 88, Altoona, passed away Saturday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Bellmeade, son of the late Clarence and Rebecca (Butterbaugh) Lantz. On June 30, 1956 he married Marjorie (McDowell) Lantz at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and she preceded him in death on Oct. 7, 2005.

He is survived by his children: Cheri Miloro, of Altoona, Russell Lantz Jr., of Altoona, Cindy Renney, of Reading, Cricket (Christine) Allen, of Mechanicsburg, Robert Lantz, of Altoona, and Caryn Kennedy, of Altoona; grandchildren: Steven Lantz, Danielle Lantz, Dennis Walter Jr., Mary Walter, Shauna Renney, Matthew Renney, Justine Allen (deceased), Michael Allen, Mason Allen, Kathy Keith, Randy Clawson, Codey Coffman, Madison Patterson, and Jake Kennedy; great-grandchildren: Dennis Walter III, Clair Ferguson, Lilah Lantz, Bodhi Kuhn, Dakota Renney, Teagan Renney, Ronan Allen, Charlotte Patterson, Billy Patterson IV, Xavier Yannella, Jaxon Kennedy, and infant, Hannah Grace Kuhn; a brother, Fletcher Lantz, of Colorado; and two sisters: Betty Weierick, of Altoona and Carol Rightenour, of Woodbury.

Russell was preceded in death by two brothers: Clarence and Robert Lantz; and two sisters: Dorothy and Jean.

Russell served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956, stationed in Germany. He retired from Dick's Homecare in 1998.

He was an active member and President of the Altoona Rifle and Pistol Club for many years. He enjoyed fishing, reading western novels, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was very proud of the legacy he will be leaving behind and was looked up to by many people.

Russell was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where he enjoyed helping with the festivals over the years, particularly the Treasure sales in the church basement.

Friends will be received from 2-4pm and 6-8pm Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022 in the Santella Funeral Home and from 10am until the 11am funeral service on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, also in the Santella Funeral Home. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Russell to the Altoona Rifle and Pistol Club, Altoona Rifle and Pistol Club P.O. Box 383 Altoona PA 16603.