Russell L. Wantz, Jr.

YORK- Russell L. Wantz, Jr., 74, died on Friday, July 25, 2025. He was the husband of Kathy D. (Hawkins) Wantz. The couple spent 34 years together.

Born on October 3, 1950 in York, he was the son of the late Russell L. and Helen L. (Mundis) Wantz, Sr. Russell owned and operated Schaad Detective Agency for the past 52 years. He was also the owner of All Star & Best Automotive in Spring Grove, Hanover, York and Harrisburg and the owner of Russ’s Used Cars.

Mr. Wantz was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in York as a child through his adult years and a member of F&AM York Lodge #266, Tall Cedars, Shiloh American Legion Post 791, Hellam American Legion Post 294, Hawks Club, Vikings Athletic Association, and was a life member of the York County Agricultural Society. Russell loved training and breeding German Shepherds and K9’s for the Schaad Detective Agency. He was also an avid Baltimore Orioles and York Revolution fan.

Along with his wife, Kathy, Russell is survived by two daughters, Michele Wantz of Dover and Vicki Sleeger and her husband, William, Jr. of York; two granddaughters Rebecca Sleeger of York and Rachel Sleeger of York; and his beloved German Shepherds. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Mae Little; and his niece Beth Ann McCleary.

A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the York Fairgrounds, Memorial Hall East, 334 Carlisle Ave., York with Masonic Rites at the start of the service. A viewing will be from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be private at a later date at Prospect Hill Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed around 12 p.m. at HeffnerCare.com on Russell’s obituary page. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to YCSO Canine Fund, 45 N. George St., York, PA 17401 or WellSpan York Health Foundation, Cardio Research Fund, P.O. Box 1281, Lebanon, PA 17042-9933 or Lifepath Christian Ministries, PO Box 1968, York, PA 17405-1968.