Stephen Peter Mantz passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025 at Merit Health River Region Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was a native of Syracuse, NY and had been a resident of Vicksburg for over 25 years.  He was a graduate of Aurora University  in Aurora, IL and  retired from the lumber industry. He had a passion for animals.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ida Mantz; his son, Johnny Mantz; and his brother, Allen Mantz.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila Mantz; his children, Jeffrey Mantz of St. Augustine, FL; Julie Mantz of Florida; Angela West (Jon) of Conway, AR; Julie Ford (Kevin) of Vicksburg, MS; and Joshua Alberts, also of Vicksburg;  a sister, Judy Mantz of Syracuse, NY; a brother, Bill Mantz of Syracuse, NY; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Per Stephen's wishes, a private service will be held in Ohio.  In Stephen's memory his family requests donations be made to River City Kitty TNR at Guaranty Bank in his memory.