Who Is Joe Rantz? Age, Biography and Wiki
In 2025, Joe Rantz would have celebrated his 111th birthday. Unfortunately, he passed away on June 10, 2007, but his legacy lives on, especially in the rowing world. Rantz is most famously known for being part of the University of Washington's rowing team that won gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His life story was encapsulated in the bestselling book "The Boys in the Boat," which highlights his struggles and triumphs during the Great Depression.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1914 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Spokane, Washington, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 September, 2007 |
| Died Place | Redmond, Washington, U.S. |
Popularity
Joe Rantz's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific height and weight details from Rantz’s competitive years are less documented, as a rower, he was likely within the average range for athletes in his discipline, typically standing around 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 175 pounds. His physical fitness and endurance were paramount in his Olympic success.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joe Rantz was married to his beloved wife, "Jean" Rantz, for many years. Their relationship was characterized by deep love and resilience, with Jean providing unwavering support throughout Joe's rowing career. Together, they had three children, leaving behind a legacy of familial bonds that continued to thrive even after his death.
Born in Spokane, Washington, Joe Rantz had a harsh childhood in Boulder City, Idaho and, later, Sequim, Washington. His mother, Nellie Maxwell (1881–1918), died from throat cancer when Rantz was four.
His father, Harry Rantz (1880–1966), remarried in 1921, but Rantz did not connect well with his stepmother, Thula LaFollete (1897–1935), who struggled to raise Rantz and her four younger biological children. From age 15, Rantz reared himself in an unfinished house abandoned by his father and stepmother and put himself through high school.
He gained admission to the University of Washington.
Net Worth and Salary
Joe Rantz’s net worth during his lifetime was primarily derived from his athletic career and subsequent ventures. While specific figures are hard to pinpoint, estimates suggest that he may have been worth several hundred thousand dollars at the time of his passing, due to modest earnings associated with his rowing career and public speaking engagements related to his story.
Career, Business and Investments
Rantz’s career as a rower reached its peak during the 1936 Olympics. Post his athletic career, Joe pursued various jobs, including working in the business sector, where he found success and settled into a life away from the competitive sports limelight. He later shared his experiences through public speaking and participated in rowing associations, contributing to the sport through mentorship and training of younger athletes.
Social Network
Joe Rantz did not leverage social media in the way modern athletes do, as he lived during a time when such technology did not exist. However, his story has continued to resonate in sports education and literature, leading to a strong following among rowing enthusiasts and sports historians alike. Today, his legacy thrives through platforms where "The Boys in the Boat" is discussed, and his impact on the rowing community is celebrated.
Education
Rantz attended the University of Washington, where his athletic career flourished. His education not only contributed to his skills as a rower but also shaped his character, instilling values of teamwork, perseverance, and determination that would guide him throughout his life.
Rantz rowed in the University of Washington senior varsity eights which won US national Intercollegiate Rowing Association titles in 1936 and 1937 as well as the victorious sophomore eight of 1935 and freshman eight of 1934.
Rantz is the central character in the non-fiction book The Boys in the Boat, which chronicles his struggles through life in his early years, culminating with his Olympic gold medal win from the seven seat of the US men's eight at Berlin in 1936.
The book inspired the PBS documentary American Experience: The Boys of '36 and a 2023 feature film directed by George Clooney, where Rantz was portrayed by Callum Turner.
