It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved company president, Russell L. Wantz, Jr. Russ was the leader of our Schaad family, and he will be missed immensely.
Russ started Schaad Detective Agency in 1972 with his business partner Russel C. Schaad, primarily performing investigative work. As time went on, they expanded their services to include security work. When Mr. Schaad died in 1977, Russ assumed ownership and expanded the business, especially on the security end. As the Schaad customer base grew, so did our staff, equipment, and physical footprint.
Currently, we offer quality security services throughout central Pennsylvania, including Carlisle, Harrisburg, Reading, Lancaster, York, and beyond, and we employ approximately 200 employees.
Russ was very proud of Schaad and the services we provide. He was especially proud of our security officers. He was never too busy to offer a sympathetic ear or to offer advice.
Schaad has many employees who have worked here for 20, 30, or even 40 years. That is not a coincidence, that is Russ Wantz and his effect on employees. Our security officers deal with many obstacles: inclement weather, potentially dangerous situations, and weekend and overnight shifts to name a few. Yet our officers come to work every day and stay on board for years. Why? The leadership of Russ Wantz.
We want you to know that Schaad will continue. Russ’s family recognizes the importance of the service we provide, and the value of our employees and customers. Schaad will continue to operate with these same goals – providing a valuable service to our customers and a great work environment for our employees. Please rest assured that the company will continue to operate in the same manner as we have for all these years.
On behalf of the Family of Russell L. Wantz, Jr., I thank you for your support and your dedication at this difficult time.
Bambi Golden
Accounting Manager
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.