Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Doreen Ida Irene Lantz (Lerch) beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away May 18, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family at the Hanover Care Centre.
Doreen was born November 21, 1931, in the family home. Doreen is the daughter of the Edward and Anna Lerch. She grew up with 8 siblings in Carrick Township and attended Public School in a one room schoolhouse.
Throughout her life, Doreen was a source of unwavering love, strength and compassion to her family and friends. She married George William Lantz on June 20th, 1951, and together they built a life in a farming Community just outside Neustadt. Together they raised eight children, Bruce (Ivy); Bonnie (Ron) Becker; Joyce (Jim) Nuhn; Debbie (Gerald) Becker; George (Mary Jo); Linda (Bruce) Fidler; Dale (Denise) and Greg. In addition blessed with 18 grandchildren Vicki (Jake) Svanda, Derek (Valarie) Lantz; Angie (Greg) Benninger, Shelly (Ryan Enright) Becker, Jillian (Jason) Londry; Jamie (Jenny) Nuhn, Jodie (Henry Harder) Nuhn, Joshua (Rebecca) Nuhn; Michael Becker, Chad Becker, Tonya (Jason Moore) Becker; Jeff (Marissa) Lantz, Jake (friend Jillian Montgomery) Lantz, Jordan (Pete) Lainey; Scott (Katelyn) Fidler, Jeremy (Kristen) Fidler; Devyn (friend Kayla Dickinson) Lantz, Dustin (Erica) Lantz. As well adored her 26 great grandchildren Taylor (Eric Sicker) Svanda, Sara Svanda; Caitlin & Claire Lantz; Paige Becker, Avery & Aiden Benninger; Addison, Summer & Quinn Enright; Jayse & Jaidyn Londry; Jude & Jaxon Nuhn, Garrison, Bentley & Hadley Harder, Rhea & Eddie Nuhn; Emma Becker, Owen & Olivia Becker-Moore; Easton & Colter Lainey; Willie Fidler; Jack Lantz.
Doreen is survived by her brother Alfred (Norma) Lerch, sisters-in-law Eleanor Lerch and Lynn Lerch. Brother-in-law Harold (Hazel) Lantz. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. Doreen was predeceased by her husband George, her son Bruce and son-in-law Gerald, and also her parents; sisters Gladys (Martin) Singbiel, Florence (Elmer) Leifso, Eileen (Conrad) Wiseman, Audrey (Harold) Hill and brothers Wilmer, Bert, Harvey and Harold in infancy.
Doreen had a passion for her flower and vegetable gardens, watching birds around her multiple feeders and so enjoyed quilting, sewing, liquid embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, tatting, ceramics, photography, baking, and upholstery. Doreen loved keeping journals. If you wanted to know something significant that happened in the past, most times she had it recorded. She loved puzzles and games including crokinole, bingo, solo and euchre and nerts (solitaire). Doreen was very competitive in a fun-loving way. Doreen loved sharing and showing her talents in local fairs. Throughout Doreen’s lifetime she had multiple jobs including janitor at her Church, upholstery, judging flowers and KitchenAid at McVean Lodge-Hanover Care Centre.
Doreen was very active in her community, a member on the St. Paul’s Lutheran WOF; Neustadt Normanby Carrick Agricultural Society; 4-H Homemaking Leader; Member of the Red Hats; Neustadt Swing Bowling League and Neustadt Horticulture Society.
Doreen loved watching the Blue Jays on TV and relished conversation about the game/s with her grandchildren and so enjoyed a family outing attending a Blue Jay game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Doreen also loved watching the family “Lanzview Hereford Team” in the annual Family Slo-pitch Tournaments held in Neustadt and Ayton. Doreen loved to decorate for special occasions especially Halloween and Christmas. Doreen was an amazing cook for family gatherings especially her roast beef dinner and yummy apple pie.
To honor and celebrate Doreen’s life, visitation will take place at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on May 24, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Mildmay on May 25, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Normanby Township. The family extends an invitation to join them following the service and committal, at the Neustadt Community Hall for refreshments and to share memories of Doreen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doreen’s memory to Saugeen Hospice (https://www.saugeenhospice.ca/donations/) or McVean Lodge - Hanover Care Centre.
For those that are unable to attend, the funeral service will be live streamed directly on the obituary page on our website, and through the Mighton Funeral Home YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@MightonFuneralHomeLtd/streams The live stream will start approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the service - at that time, please look for the live video post on the obituary page on our website or the Funeral Home YouTube Channel to join the service. For people unable to join at the time of the service, the live stream video will remain posted and available for viewing afterwards.
Funeral Service Live Stream - Monday, May 25, 2026
My deepest condolences to the family and all the loved ones of Doreen(Grandma). She will be missed very much. From the first time I met her she always had a smile for me and always was so kind and welcoming. I remember how much I enjoyed going out to the farm whether it be for a family function or just a visit. Herself and George will always be two very special people that have left a wonderful legacy behind and the future of the family is looking brighter than ever. My love and thoughts to everyone.
- Greg BenningerDoreen will remain in our hearts and memories. Our deepest sympathy to the whole Lantz family.
- Alfred, Norma and Kim LerchLinda, Joyce, Bonnie, and all of the Lantz family, my deepest heartfelt sympathies. I know it's been difficult to watch your mom's health decline, and you will feel her loss, it never goes away, but you will always remember her with the memories made over the years. God bless, Heather
- Heather and Tom ArnottOur sincere condolences to Doreen's family. She was a very special woman and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to her family.
Dale and Joan Hershey
Sorry to hear of Doreen's passing. May your memories provide comfort during this difficult time.
Barbara-Anne and Lorne Seip
Sorry to hear of Doreen's passing. May your memories provide comfort during this difficult time.
Barbara-Anne and Lorne Seip
Sorry to hear about the passing My deepest condolences to the entire family
- Terry BeckerMay God grant you strength and comfort as you mourn the loss of Doreen. Keeping your family in our prayers.
- Eileen Becker & familyOur deepest condolences to the family of Doreen. She was a wonderful person.
Steve and Joanne Becker.
Please accept my sincere condolences to the entire family.
- Mark BeckerMy sincere condolences to the Lantz family during this difficult time
Carolyn Meyer
My deepest condolences to the entire Lantz family and all the extended family, in the loss of Doreen, an iconic woman.
- Karen ElderDeepest sympathy Bonnie, and the entire lanyz family.
Steve and Connie Foerster
My deepest sympathy to Debbie and the whole Lantz family
- Shirley BeckerOur Sincere Sympathies to the Lantz Family. Our thouths and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow
Bill & Elaine Chalmers
We want to send our condolences to the family.
The Schaefers
Our condolences Bonnie to you and family.
- Brent & Margaret WoottonMy sympathy to the family of Doreen. Many many memories of her and George when they lived on the farm on concession 12 and were great friends with my parents.
Sandra Hall/Roger Weltz.
Condolences to Dale, Denise & Lantz family
- Mike & Dawn GatemanOur deepest sympathies to the family, thinking of you all 🦋💐🕊️🦋
- David & Shawna GreinOur sincere condolences to the entire family. May the many fond memories you hold help you through this difficult time.
- Warren and Deb Dickert
