Jeffrey Gene Schantzenbach, 63, of Sugar Run, PA, passed away on August 7, 2025, at his home. His faithful canine companion, Valor, was with him to the very end.

Born August 3, 1962, in Emmaus, PA, to the late Eugene and Diane (Hackman) Schantzenbach, Jeff was deeply proud of his hometown roots.

Jeff has been called many things in his life -“colorful,” “a character,” and undeniably “one of a kind.” He graduated from Emmaus High School in 1980 and was a proud alumnus of Penn State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Resource Management. He was an avid nature and outdoor sports enthusiast. He worked for many years at A & H Sporting Goods.

A “killer” skier and snowboarder, Jeff taught his daughter, Mindy, to love winter sports as much as he did. He was also a devoted Dead Head, and shared his love of music with his daughter, attending numerous Grateful Dead concerts with her over the years.

Jeff’s connection to nature led him on endless adventures—hiking, cycling, kayaking, backpacking, and skiing. He played volleyball, even joining an unconventional co-ed team with his ex-wife Shelley (Michelle) Burrows and her then-husband, Rick Krause. He played soccer well into adulthood, eventually aging out of the more conventional brackets and finding himself in the “Over 40 League”.

Jeff’s life was filled with adventure, music, laughter, and love, leaving an indelible mark on the world that will not soon be forgotten.

He is survived by his daughter Mindy Schantzenbach and her fiancé Tyler Newport (who Jeff was truly overjoyed to have as his future son-in-law).

He is also survived by his sister Dr. Sheri Lerner, her husband Dr. Ben Lerner and their children Skylar Lerner, Nicole Lerner, and Cael Lerner; his sister Cadi Gilliland, and her husband Joseph Gilliland and their children Alissa Gilliland, and Blake Gilliland. He is also survived by his Aunt Dolores Held and her husband Jim; his Uncle William Schantzenbach and his wife Donna, his many beloved cousins; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

“Fare you well, fare you well, I love you more than words can tell, Listen to the river sing sweet songs, To rock my soul"

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