Dan Schantz, iconic Lehigh Valley farmer known for his greenhouse outlet stores, dies at 92
Dan Schantz, one of the most recognized farmers in the Lehigh Valley known for the greenhouse outlet stores bearing his name, has died.
Schantz died Thursday at the age of 92, according to an obituary posted by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service.
“Agriculture was not simply Dan’s livelihood - it was his passion. A lifelong fruit and vegetable grower, he spent many years raising quality produce and selling it at farmers markets throughout the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities,” according to the obituary.
“His greatest pride, however, was building Dan Schantz Farm & Greenhouses into one of the region’s most respected horticultural businesses. Known throughout the Lehigh Valley for its outstanding seasonal plants and flowers, the greenhouse operation supplied both retail customers and major retailers across the region.”
The obituary also highlighted Schantz’s work for the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association’s board of directors, his appointment by the governor to the Pennsylvania Produce Marketing Board, and his founding of the Great Eastern Antique Shows.
“Dan will be remembered for his integrity, vision, generous spirit, and tireless work ethic,” the obituary read in part. “Whether nurturing crops, growing a business, mentoring others, serving his church, or spending time with his family, he approached every endeavor with dedication and humility. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the businesses he built, the organizations he strengthened, and the countless lives he touched throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond.”
was sold in auction for $4.5 million in November 2024
in a social media post Saturday
“There have been a lot of tears around here the past few days, along with some laughter at ‘Dan stories[.]’ Dan had an immeasurable impact on many lives! He made the world a much better place[.] He will truly be missed,” the Herr’s post said.
Schantz also previously sold his retail businesses on Easton Avenue in Bethlehem, Union Boulevard at the Lehigh Shopping Center in Bethlehem and Lehigh Street in Emmaus after getting quadruple heart bypass surgery.
According to the funeral home, all are invited to visit with Schantz’s family from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at Swamp Mennonite Church at 2125 Rosedale Road in Milford Township, Bucks County.
Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. Thursday at the church, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Graveside services will follow at the church cemetery.
This story will be updated.
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This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 2:05 PM.