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Jeremy Knowles's avatar

Thank you for using your gift of writing to bless us with an insight to a close relationship of yours. It feels like you just gave a gift to me in your time of grief.

Love is a gift that, when we can't express it anymore to the individual, gives the gift of grief which in turn, gives us the gift of reflection and often brings the best changes possible in our life. Prayers for you and yours.

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Capt. Seth Keshel's avatar

Thank you Jeremy - I want everyone to know what a great man Dr. Jantz was. I’ve been thinking about him a lot this morning and found myself simply giving thanks that I knew such a man, and that such a man lived. He’s a huge reason I was able to keep moving forward in what I believe I am called to do.

The eternal perspective is so hard to grasp but part of me knows this is an illusion. I will see him one day soon.

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Kathy Stone's avatar

Well said! Amen!

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Justin's avatar

What a wonderful tribute to a dear friend and mentor! Thank you for sharing him with us!

It helps his work and influence ripple out further.

And thank you for your work also Seth!

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Thomas from Iowa's avatar

Your writing captures life cycles and helps us manage the rising and falling tides of our lives, Seth. This piece reminds me of a dear man like Gregg Jantz, who joined my family at just the right time: Charles Osborne married my mom after my dad was killed in SE Asia in 1966. Truly he shored up our family foundation, loving our mom and teaching us how to become men.

The longer I live, the stronger is my faith that God places angels into our lives when we need them most. Your story tells us what a wonderful creator we have who puts us in contact with each other through his word. We all are blessed to know the Lord and find purpose in our lives by fulfilling his will. Chuck Osborne carried a heavy load many years for our family and I will never forget his generosity of spirit.

Now to remember our calling: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Thanks again Seth for sharing with the far-flung flock! “One body” is the key term that describes us who take God at his word and stand in unity.

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Kathy Stone's avatar

Beautifully written. And Amen on the verse! Thank you for sharing!!

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JACQUES LASSEIGNE's avatar

Very sorry for this great loss. What a man Dr. Jantz was! Thanks for presenting us with a little of his life's work and his love for you and Rachel. Dr. Jantz set an example for all of us to follow.

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NCmountainFren's avatar

Beautiful story - my heart hurts for all those he left behind, but I know you'll all be together again one day!

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Sarah Cylvick's avatar

My condolences for the loss of your dear friend. Thank you for sharing this story. It warms my heart that you gained such a meaningful and fulfilling friendship when you needed it most. Our love and prayers are with you and his family.

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Michael Wasylyk's avatar

My condolences. I understand your loss on two fronts. A life long best friend of mine passed away in June. Chris and I went back to Jr. High School. I fully understand what you mean when you say you only knew Dr. Jantz for a few years, but it felt like you were life long friends. I met a man in 1976 who owned a store near my first shop. We struck up a very close friendship over some common interests. He passed away unexpectedly in 1980 at the too young age of 40. It was a major gut punch for me, as even though we had only been friends for a few years, it felt like I lost a life long friend. Those two funerals were probably the worst two of my life. (aside from my Mom & Dad, who I miss to this day)

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Capt. Seth Keshel's avatar

It’s one of these things that just can’t be true. In the spiritual worldview he’s moving to a new assignment and in the lens of eternity this is no different than parting ways until next time we see each other. But the human side of us mourns.

Dr. Jantz believed in me when I didn’t even believe in my own decency. When I was at the lowest of lows. I have no doubt God put him in my life to keep me fighting the fight. He was a great, great man. A true giant among us.

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Kathy Stone's avatar

AMEN! So true. What a gift for you and in turn for all of us. I am still teary eyed after reading your words multiple times and the comments that follow. You were the one that gave me SO much hope in Missoula. Your whole story was a gift and the brilliancy of stats that the Lord prepared you for before hand. Then to watch your journey with Ole Miss and what happened there. Our oldest son (homeschooled) loved stats. I had him play MLB the Show for school...and Money Ball was his favorite. SO many rich memories over these years with you and the heartache, the struggles, the beauty, the community (connection on with Mark Messina with fun and badgering. Love his journey, speciality of 9-11, and gifts of interviewing.) Thank you for being so transparent and walking this fight with all of us for many years. God definitely has given you amazing gifts and Rachel is one of them. That was beautiful! God Bless you Seth! Our youngest son's name is Seth. Adopted from Korea and on the autism spectrum. Same age as Barron whom he loves. He is WIDE awake (watched the ENTIRE rally with DJT in Bozeman) and know that God has incredible plans for him and all these children. Oh what a journey. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Blessings and Prayers!

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Capt. Seth Keshel's avatar

Kathy, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. Please email me your address so I can send your Seth a challenge coin. My email is skeshel@protonmail.com

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Mickey Splaine's avatar

Captain, stories like this are what life is really all about. We all struggle with our individual search for meaning. I know I do. So glad to hear inspirational stories like this. It gives me hope. And you give us all hope that we can help save America. We are truly blessed to be part of your world ✌️

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Carol's avatar

What a beautiful, heartfelt and insightful tribute to a man who clearly and profoundly impacted your life. You've eloquently given voice to a grief so many feel but are unable to express. Thank you sharing so much of yourself with others. In our time, such connection and frankness are rare treasures. I will keep you and the Janz family in my prayers. God bless you.

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Deb Nance's avatar

Thank you for expressing gratitude. The world needs much more of it.

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Tim Hoferer's avatar

So sorry you lost your good friend, Capt K (Dr Jantz sounded like he was more of a family member, really). That's an epic tribute to a man I wish I knew. I hope Christ's peace keeps you, sir.

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Linda's avatar

Sorry for the loss of your great friend. Condolences to the Jantz family. 🙏🙏

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MAB4Liberty's avatar

Thank you for sharing this Captain K. How blessed for you both in allowing the connection arranged by God to manifest & accomplish things of value both now & far beyond our comprehension in the future. My condolences to you and the Jantz family. Congratulations on a well lived life & promotion to the heavenly kingdom Dr Greg, what a joy it was for Dr. Greg to hear "Well done faithful servant, welcome home, enter your rest!!!"

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tim's avatar

A very moving, touching tribute.

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Lisa McGrath's avatar

So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to Mr Jantz's family and friends. His kind and generous spirit will be truly missed.

On a lighter note, such a beautiful picture of Rachel. Big love in her eyes!

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John's avatar

What a beautiful testament to a friend Seth, simply beautiful. I was moved to tears as I read it. It strikes me though that perhaps it wasn't an "accident" that he was taken on July 4th. What better day for someone who loved and gave so much and fought for freedom to go? Whatever the case I'm so glad that you had such a friend as I know what a gift it is to have one. Mine has fortunately been in my life for over two decades now and he is both a friend and mentor. He's ex Navy btw, and he asks nothing but gives so much and has helped me more than anyone else has in my entire life through many of my most difficult times.

Thank you so much for writing this, and may God Bless You and Rachel abundantly. We are truly blessed and grateful that you're here doing the work you're doing.

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