Lana Kuntz

Lana L. Scheider Kuntz was born July 1, 1945 in Freeport. She graduated from Forreston High School and went on to receive degrees from Highland Community College and Northern Illinois University. At both schools she was awarded highest honors in speech. She was chosen to give the commencement address at HCC and also competed at the National Speech Contest.

On May 19, 1964 Lana married Larry Kuntz. They were married for 61 years. Their adventures together took them to many places, including living in Germany.

Larry and Lana owned Rothstein's Women’s Apparel from 1978 to 1995. Lana enjoyed the merchandising aspect and working with her clients. She had an eye for fashion, always looked her best, and truly enjoyed sharing that passion with others. They traveled to New York & Chicago on many buying trips. She was always customer focused and knew the industry very well. Her other love while traveling to New York was attending Broadway shows. Larry and Lana were able to see over 100 shows throughout the years.

Lana, along with Larry, have devoted many years to The Salvation Army of Freeport. Their energy has specifically been focused on The Christmas Toy Store and multiple clothing give-away events each year. Lana enjoyed both of these, even though they came with a tremendous amount of work. Giving to over 500 children a year at the holidays and just last year, they gave over 15,000 items of clothing away. This was definitely something she was so proud of. She was the kindest person to all and loved helping so many. It was because of her talent and special touches that all of the give-aways were able to sparkle a bit more!

Lana was preceded in death by her parents, Leland Scheider and Ruth and Irv Gough, and her brother and sister-in-law Larry and Judy Scheider.

Lana is survived by her husband Larry, brother-in-law Bill Kuntz (Ruth), sister-in-law Pam Wessel (Dan), step-brothers Dave Gough (Donna) and Ronnie Gough.

Although Lana and Larry had no children, she was Aunt Lana to so many. She loved with all her heart many nieces and nephews including Kim and David Schenck, Pam and Jon Curry, Amy and Troy Brinkmeier, Jill Kuntz, Jen and Josh Cannova, Andrea and Jason Hathaway, Laura and Andrew Hartman.

In addition, she was blessed with great-nieces and nephews: Josh, Drake, Daphne, Morgin, Henry, Milo, D.J., Keagan, Brody, Mitchell, Jillian, Korbin, Kellen, Jackson, Zach, Madi, Nathan, Logan, Andrea, Dylan, Carter, Wessel, Ty, Payton, Cooper, Lexi and Addi.

Lana had an unwavering and tremendous love for all of them, especially Logan and Dylan. To them, she will always be their “Naah”. To all of them, the best and most caring aunt ever.

Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday June 6, 2025 at St. John United Church of Christ, Rev. Hank Fairman officiating.  A visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service.  A memorial fund has been established in Lana’s name.