Forest L. "Bud"  Kantner, 86, of Bluffton died at 11:45 p.m. March 16, 2015, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. He was born Jan. 31, 1929, in Auglaize County to Louis and Ida Deiringer Kantner. On Dec. 16, 1951 he married Betty E. Basinger and she survives. 

He had worked at Trim Tread, Spencerville, and retired from Tower Automotive, Bluffton.  He was a member of Grace Mennonite Church, Pandora, and the Bluffton Senior Citizens. He was a graduate of Spencerville High School.  

Survivors also include two sons, Rodney (Sandra) Kantner of Grangeville, Id., Jeffrey (Joanna) Kantner of Bluffton, five grandchildren, Craig (Shauna) Kantner,  Eric (Nikkoal) Kantner,  Katie (Andy) Edinger, Justin (Elya) Kantner,  Adrien (Christian) Hall, eight great grandchildren, Baylee Kantner,  Hannah and Gabriel Kantner, Silas and Jasper Edinger,  Caleb Kantner, McKayla and Micah Hall, three sisters, Helen Cummins of Wapakoneta,  Anna Mae McKinley of Lima, Faye Eley of Lima and a sister-in-law, Betty Kantner of Spencerville. 

He was preceded in death by two brothers,  Roy and Ned Kantner and three sisters, Verdean Etgen, Leona Watercutter and Deloras Rable. 

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace Mennonite Church, Pandora. 

Rev. Dennis Schmidt and Chaplain William Herr will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton prior to the service. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Memorial Home or Bridge Hospice.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.  Arrangements are by Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton.