Lavern Lentz

lavern  lentz
Lavern “Toby” Joseph Lentz, 92, of Elma, Iowa, formerly of Waterloo, IA and Dewar, IA, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2014, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Elma, IA. Lavern was born August 16, 1921, in Fillmore, IA, to Lawrence and Bridget Lentz. When he was a young boy in 1931, his family moved to an Elma, IA farm. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1939. Lavern was united in marriage to Jeanette Frances Brennan on April 23, 1945, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank, IA. He farmed near Elma until moving to Waterloo, IA; and then to Dewar, IA in the early 1950s. He was employed by Rath Packing for 30 years; and retired in 1983. During his time at Rath, he also worked part-time for Dewar Elevator. He continued to work part-time for Petersen-Tietz Florist, and an Evansdale grocery store until full retirement. He was a member of St John’s, Waterloo, and St Francis, Barclay, Catholic Churches. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed playing cards, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family. Lavern is survived by five children, Jean Hilbert of Waverly, IA; Larry Lentz, Davenport, IA; William Lentz, Madison, WI; Janice Torrey, Waterloo, IA; and Cheri Riggins, LaPorte City, IA; nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Lavern was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette, and his four brothers, Charlie, Francis, Ed, and Don, and his sister Marie (Robert) Brennan.

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  1. Uncle Toby, always had a smile and a smart remark for me. But it was always fun to watch our kids look as his partially missing finger when he told them it happened from sucking it when he was a little boy. The twinkle in his eye will be a lasting memory. He is the end of that generation of Lentz’s. God Bless & Rest in peace Toby. Our condolences to all the kids and grandchildren, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  2. Mary Lentz Hanson: We(my family) always enjoyed visiting with Vern and Jeanette when they lived at Elma. Dad and Mom loved to play cards with them. Vern is the last of the Lentz children, God bless them all. I will say special prayers on Friday for Vern’s family.

  3. My condolences to Uncle Lavern’s family. He lived a long and hardy life! It truly is the end of an era with all of our Lentz aunts and uncles gone now. He was the sibling that always reminded my of my dad in his looks – that round Irish face! Barb Lentz Moran and family.

  4. Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. Jesus promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again at John 5:28,29 which talks about the resurrection hope. What a wonderful hope that will be! May this bible thought bring you comfort at this difficult time.

  5. Truly a great man had a few laughs and a couple of beers with Toby and talked of the old days in ELMA Jerome Heying Jr.

  6. I have so many memories of all of you! You are very dear to my heart! Know that Bob and I are sending our love and prayers! We are in Az. and won”t be with you! Know we are their in spirit!

  7. Janice and families We are so sorry to hear your dad passed away . He is in the arms of God now he is watching over all of you now to make sure you ok. please take of yourself for me ok love. Larry and Vicky (Hewitt). Federspiel


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