Obituary of Audrey (Podlasek) Lantz

Audrey Lantz (Podlasek) passed away peacefully at home in Capitola, California, on Nov. 19, 2020, age 95. Audrey was a gracious woman of quiet strength and integrity who will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity, gracefulness, beauty, and patience. She was loved by everyone, especially her late husband of 60 years, Edward Lantz, and will be enormously missed. She was preceded in death by her son, James; husband, Ed; and brother, Eugene Podlasek, and is survived by her children: Lori (Ron Nelson), Peggy, Tom (Karen) and Mary Shewmaker (Jeff); sisters, Virginia Novitsky and Carol Podlasek; 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends. A gifted student born and raised in Minneapolis, Audrey attended Catholic schools and led a religious life. In high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and earned the Girls Athletic Association (GAA) letter. She was awarded a full academic scholarship to St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, and was voted homecoming queen in both high school and college. A natural athlete, she enjoyed playing sports and excelled at bowling, volleyball, tennis, golf and dancing. Talented in art and music, Audrey passed her passion for them on to her children. Audrey and Ed met at the University of Minnesota, married and moved to California where they raised their five children. She had a big heart and a great sense of humor that allowed her to make life look easy. Audrey enjoyed life, especially time spent with her family and friends. Everyone was welcome in her home and nobody ever left hungry. She believed travel was educational, and her family went on vacations all around the U.S. Volunteering and helping others were a big part of Audrey’s life. She held leadership positions in the Girl Scouts, The American Heart Association, PTA, Mother’s Guild and various other organizations. Her generous, positive attitude made her a superb role model. Wherever she lived, Audrey planted gardens which produced amazing flowers along with delicious berries, fruits and vegetables. Playing cards (especially bridge), sewing, and watching professional sports were some favorite hobbies. Many of Audrey and Ed’s neighbors and people in their square-dance group “Guys and Dolls” were lifelong friends. One of the bowling teams Audrey joined competed in tournaments throughout the United States and Canada amassing a collection of trophies. After living in California for 25 years, Audrey and Ed moved to Illinois for Ed’s career, where Audrey finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Education at Northeastern Illinois University. She worked in education, city government, and Real Estate (Broker), and mentored others entering the field. After Ed retired, they moved back to California and rekindled relationships with many dear friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association, a local food bank, or your favorite charity in her honor. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Lucy's Catholic Parish, 2350 Winchester Blvd., Campbell, CA 95008 on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 9:00 AM. She will be laid to rest at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.