Legacy is a powerful word. For some, it’s tied to fame, fortune, or family name. For me, legacy is more personal. It’s not about headlines or history books—it’s about the people who came before me, the values they lived by, and the stories that shaped who I am today. It’s about keeping their spirit alive, not through grand gestures, but in the everyday things I do: how I show up, how I treat people, and what I pass down to my son.

I come from a long line of people who served—teachers, nurses, military veterans, public servants. Each of them left behind more than just memories. They left examples. My job now is to honor them, not by trying to be perfect, but by living in a way that reflects their influence. Here’s what preserving that family legacy looks like in my day-to-day life.

The Spirit of Service

My dad, Calvin, was a well-known teacher and coach in our hometown of Lodi. He dedicated his life to helping kids—on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. He passed away not long ago, and the number of people who came to his celebration of life was overwhelming. That told me everything I needed to know: he mattered.

He didn’t make headlines, but he changed lives. He showed up every day, even when it was hard. That’s a lesson I carry with me. Whether I’m managing a busy restaurant or coaching a youth basketball game, I try to lead the same way he did—by being consistent, fair, and fully present. That’s how you honor someone like my dad. Not just by telling stories about him, but by living the story forward

Quiet Heroes

My mom, Cynthia, was a nurse who cared deeply for others. She worked at the Lodi Outpatient Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital (now Dignity Health). She didn’t talk much about her work, but you could feel her heart in everything she did. She passed away recently too, and with her went a kind of gentle strength that’s hard to explain unless you knew her.

She taught me that caring for others isn’t always loud or flashy—it’s in the quiet moments: checking in on someone, lending a hand without being asked, showing patience when others can’t. Those are the kinds of lessons that stay with you. I try to bring that spirit into my workplace, my family, and my friendships. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of life, but I remember my mom when I slow down and focus on the people around me.

A Family of Sacrifice

I also come from a family with deep military roots. My grandfather, Calvin Sr., served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. My other grandfather, Robert Gantner, served in the Navy. And Robert’s brother—my great-uncle Samuel—gave his life during the attack on Pearl Harbor and was honored posthumously as a hero.

Their stories aren’t just history to me—they’re reminders of the responsibility that comes with carrying their name. My son and I are the last two people in our family to carry the Gantner name as our middle name. That means something. It’s not about ego or tradition—it’s about remembering. Remembering the price they paid, the courage they showed, and the belief they had in something bigger than themselves.

Living the Legacy Daily

Preserving legacy doesn’t have to mean starting a foundation or building a statue. For me, it’s in the little choices. It’s how I parent my son—teaching him to be respectful, curious, and kind. It’s how I coach, making sure every kid feels seen and valued, whether they score 20 points or ride the bench. It’s how I manage my team—by being the kind of leader who listens and lifts people up.

It’s also about community. I try to stay involved in my hometown and nearby areas, volunteering at church and supporting youth sports. These aren’t big, flashy things, but they matter. Because that’s what legacy really is: it’s the ripple effect of everyday actions.

Keeping the Name Alive

I’ve always been proud of my family name, but as I get older, I feel more responsibility to carry it well. It’s not just about being a “Krienke” or a “Gantner”—it’s about what those names represent. Hard work. Integrity. Service. Family.

There was talk once about naming a school after my great-uncle Samuel Gantner. I saw something about it in a news article years ago, but I’m not sure what came of it. Still, whether his name ends up on a building or not, I know his spirit lives on—through the choices we make, the stories we tell, and the lives we touch.

I don’t claim to have all the answers. I make mistakes, I fall short, and I’m still learning every day. But I know this much: legacy isn’t something we inherit—it’s something we live out. It’s not a one-time thing. It’s how we treat others, how we rise after setbacks, and how we carry the values of those who came before us.

So every time I step into my role as a father, a coach, a manager, or a neighbor—I try to keep the spirit alive. Not with big speeches or bold moves, but through simple, steady action. That’s how we honor the past—and build something meaningful for the future.