Colin James Gantz, 42, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, died June 28, 2024 following a long battle with addiction.


Colin was born September 19, 1981, in Park Ridge, Illinois, and grew up in Wascott, Wisconsin, graduating from Northwood High School in 2000. Colin had been thriving in his recovery journey and had recently begun working toward a degree at Minneapolis College when he passed away.

Colin was a beloved father, brother, and son, and a great friend to many. He had a magnetic and charismatic personality and greatly enjoyed making others smile and laugh. He was always warm and accepting of anyone he met, and he was known for his generosity to friends and strangers alike, even when he didn't have much for himself. He was curious about life and the people in it, so he was continuously learning and growing as a person. He enjoyed music, movies, fishing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Colin excelled at a variety of sports and hobbies throughout his life, worked in a range of fields from the service industry to the trades, and took great satisfaction in volunteering and helping others. His greatest pride and achievement in life was his daughter Layla, whom he welcomed with his former wife Kelli in 2008.

His final years were some of his best as he worked tirelessly on his recovery from substance use disorder. We are grateful for the happiness and self-acceptance he felt in those years, and for the long stretches he made in recovery. Colin did not intend to leave us so soon, as he loved life and his future was bright. Since Colin loved helping others, we hope his death will inspire someone else struggling with substance use disorder to seek the help they deserve. To those who love someone struggling with addiction, keep believing in them, stay connected, and lead with love and compassion.

Colin is survived by his daughter, Layla Gantz, his sister, Meghan Gantz (Jake Larson), and his parents, William Gantz and Rosemary Doyle, as well as numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles, including his namesake and godfather, James (Jimmy) Walsh Doyle.

A celebration of Colin’s life is planned for 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at the Wascott Town Hall, 16362 Town Hall Road, Wascott, WI 54890. In lieu of flowers, we encourage contributing to the memorial college fund for his daughter (see "Memorial Gifts").

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