Linus J. Lentz
March 13, 1938 ~ November 11, 2008
Linus Lentz age 70 of Elma, IA, died on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in an automobile accident.
Linus Joseph Lentz was born on March 13, 1938 to Charles and Gertrude (Freidhof) Lentz in Elma, IA. Linus graduated from Immaculate Conception School in Elma in 1956. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in Japan. He received his honorable discharge in 1958. He then was employed by Frank Schnur as a feed salesman on November 17, 1958. He was a feed salesman for Purina Mills and recently Big Gain. Linus was united in marriage to Elsie Chihak on May 8, 1965 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes. He continued to work as a feed and seed salesman for Big Gain to the present.
Linus enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, playing cards, golf, gardening and his flower gardens. He was active in the Elma Fire Department serving as chief, assistant chief and fireman for 43 years. Linus was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma, Elma Fire Department, Knights of Columbus - Council 4144, Iowa Trappers Association, Chief Ranger of Catholic Order of Foresters Court #878 and Elma American Legion John Frahm Post 597.
Linus is survived by his wife Elsie Lentz of Elma, IA; five children Vicki Lentz of Tulsa, OK, Tony Lentz of Elma, IA, Andy Lentz, of Elma, IA, Karen Lentz of Merrit Island, FL and Brenda (Scott) Lucas of Pittsboro, NC; four grandchildren Ciara Stephenson and Morgan and Brooke Lucas; three sisters Charlotte (Bob) Sweeney of Chicago, IL, Sister Bonita Lentz RSM of Cedar Rapids, IA and Rose Mary (Thomas) Walsh of Lewisville, NC; four brothers John (Sandra) Lentz of Elma, IA, Daniel (Dena) Lentz of Mill Creek, WA, Michael (Robin Fishman) Lentz of Albuquerque, NM and Joseph Lentz of Freeport, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Gertrude Lentz; one son David on December 9, 1982.
Cemetery:
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Elma with Steve Mashek, Dan Gronwoldt, Loren Gronwoldt, Kenny Gebel, John Boyle, Terry Worple, David Burns and Roger Wilson serving as casket bearers. Honorary bearers will be Ed Novak, Arnold Maravetz, Merle Worple, John Worple, Keith Roethler, Mike Heying, Elma Fire Department, Knights of Columbus-Council 4144 and Catholic Order of Foresters. Military rites provided by the Elma American Legion John Frahm Post 597.
Visitation:
Visitation will be from3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2008 with a scriptural wake service at 5:00pm and a rosary at 4:30pm at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service at the funeral home.
Service:
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes, IA.
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As a very dear friend of Vicki Lentz, we send our deepest condolences and love to the entire family from Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Dear Elsie and family,
I want to express my deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. May God help you and your family thru this difficult time. I always enjoyed visiting with you and Linus at the Gold Country Seed functions. He will be missed. Janet is on vacation, in Florida, this wk., I will leave a message on her cell phone. I’m sure she will want to know.
Everyone here at the Gold Country Seed office sends their sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God Bless you and help to see you thru.
Alice Kemper
Gold Country Seed
16506 Hwy 15 North
Box 604
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Elise, Brenda, Karen, Vicky, Tony, and Andy –
My sincere sympathy to all of you at Linus’s death. My heart is heavy for you and I will keep you in my prayers.
May you find comfort in friends, family, and may God surround you in his loving arms.
Laurie Effle (Johnson)
sending our deepest sympathy.
vicki, you and your family will be in our prayers.
love you
melissa and shawn
Vicki, we just wanted you to know that we’re thinking of you and your family at this terribly sad time. Our prayers are with you all. We’ll be in touch.
Aunt Elsie, Tony, Andy, Karen, Vicky and Brenda
I was so sad to hear about Uncle Linus. He was the nicest, funniest, and most generous person the world could ask for. He was a good guy. I knew him my whole life and I know I’ll never forget him.
Dear Elsie and families, our heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with you all at this time. May God bless you with his strength during this time of deep sadness.
Dear Karen and family,
I was so sorry to read of the passing of your father and husband. My memories of Linus brought a smile to my face. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Your college friend,
Lisa
Elsie and family, So very sorry to hear about Linus. Times like this words just aren’t enough. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers especially these next days. Ann Sullivan
Elsie and family, Our deepest sympathy to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elsie and family; what a shock when we heard the news it didn’t seem possible. Linus was a great guy and we know he was a loving father and husband. Our prayers are with you during this trying time. Always remember the good times and you will keep him in your hearts forever.
Jake & Myrna Jacoby; Waterloo, IA
Elsie, Tony,Vickie, Andy, Karen and Brenda,
I was very saddened to hear the news about Linus’s accident. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. In these times it makes one think back about how peoples lives are touched by others and Elsie, as neighbors I will always remember all the care and concern you and Linus gave to my grandparents, Merle and Leona. My deepest sympathy,
Amy ( Jacoby) Meirick
Elsie, Vicky, Karen, Brenda, Tony, & Andy – and family: Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you in the tragic loss of a great guy. Many memories from long ago of ‘jumping feed bags’ at the ‘feed store’ and teasing from Linus. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
God Bless you in your time of need. Please know that you are a part of our family and we love you so very much. Love, Heather xoxo
I am so sorry to hear about Linus. He was always so happy and fun loving. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. I’m sure there’s a lot more laughter in heaven with Linus there. Once again, my deepest sympathy.
Beverly Valvoda
Larry and I express our sympathy for your loss. Prayers to you
Our deepest sympathy to our wonderful friend, Vicki Lentz, and her whole family. At this time of deep and very personal sadness, please know that caring thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with you.
Several of our family called to tell of Linus accident.We also were so shocked and sorry for you Elsie. I enjoyed visiting with you every Tuesday. Your family will help you through this sad time. God bless you and your children.
Several of our family called to tell of Linus accident.We also were so shocked and sorry for you Elsie. I enjoyed visiting with you every Tuesday. Your family will help you through this sad time. God bless you and your children.
Sorry to hear about Linus. Stopped to see him when I came to Elma. He is a class mate of my. Will miss talking to him Will enter his name in the Iowa knights of columbus perpetual emmorial society in which there is three mass. each year.
Brenda, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the love of God comfort you and His peace be with you during this time.
Brenda, our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family in this saddest of times. We only met your Dad on a few occassions here in NC but he made us laugh and smile the whole time we were with him. May God bless his soul and comfort you all. In deepest sympathy, Jeff & Lori B.
Dear Elsie and Family, We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Linus’ accident. He was such a loving and kind man and made everyone laugh who knew him! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all! Linus will be dearly dearly missed and the ‘Celiac Family’ will really miss his wonderful Gluten Free ideas!
Love and prayers, hugs abundant! Ron and Diane Ebert
Dear Elsie and family, I was so shocked to hear of Linus’s accident. If it hadn’t been for my son Bill, I would not have known. Linus will be remembered by everyone and will be greatly missed. He had a special place in everyones heart. My condolences go out to you and your family.
Dear Elsie, Vicki, Tony, Andy, Karen and Brenda and the entire Lentz family,
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Linus. Our prayers and thoughts are with you…
Our deepest sympathy,
Ann adn pat Loftus
Dear Vickie and Lentz Family, with sincere sympathy I offer my prayers and sympathy. May God provide you strength and comforth.
Elsie, Vicki, Tony, Karen, Andy, and Brenda:
I am deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Linus’s death. I will never forget his sense of humor and his kindness. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this time.
If I have achieved even one single ounce of success in life, it is due in part to the people, such as Linus, in the town I grew up in. Elma has truly lost a friend. I offer my deepest sympathy to the Lentz family and the entire community.
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I’m praying for your strength during these difficult times. If their is anything I can do for you during these times don’t hesitate to ask. GOD Bless.
To the Lentz family, sympathy and caring thoughts go out to your family at this sad time. I recently saw Tony, but haven’t had the pleasure to see the rest of you. I will always remember Fire Chief Lentz visiting the school for Fire Prevention Week. He was so proud to do be part of the department and enjoyed doing the presentation for the kids. His smile could light up a room. Please know that you are all in my prayers. Linda Burgart (Miss Schulz)
Vicki,
I am sorry for your loss, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please let me know.
Vicki, know that you and your family are remembered at this time of sadness in you life. May your faith and God’s love give you comfort.
Vicki, My condolences to you and your family.
Vicki, my thoughts and prayers are on you and your family.
Vicki, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Vicki, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort being surrounded by your family. We’ll be here for you when you are back in Tulsa. Remember, we are only a phone call away!
We were sad to learn by email on Tuesday afternoon that Linus had been killed. We feel fortunate that we visited with him recently at his mother’s furneral. It was obvious from his words and actions that he enjoyed and loved his family very much especially the grandchildren. He will be missed dearly. Elsie and all his family members are in our prayers. Jim & Carol Fangman, Cameron, WI.
You have my greatest sympathy. I have the fondest memory of Linus as Santa Claus. And as a great square dancer. He will be greatly missed. God Bless You! With Deepest Sympathy, Melinda Oelmann
Brenda, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. My prayers are that God grants you comfort as you go through this tough time. Diana Booth
Dear Elsie and family,
You have my deepest sympathy and my prayers. It is so hard to lose a loved one, but even more tragic to lose them suddenly and unexpectedly. No time for good-byes.
God Bless you all. Sr. Marge Friedhoff
Dear Karen and family members- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers today and in the coming days. I know he will be missed by all.
Dear Karen and family,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your tragic loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time and in the future as God heals you. I am a firm believer that those we have to say goodbye to and that we miss so dearly in this life, continue on with us in spirit until we meet again.
My best regards and deepest sympathy,
Pam Channell
Florida
Elsie, I wanted you to know how sad my family is at the sudden death of Linus. As I told Tony today, he was really a great guy. That was a view obviously shared by the huge crowds at the Visitation this evening. I came over three times and the lines were out to the street each time. He meant a lot to a lot of people and Elma will miss him. You have my sympathy.
Hi Karen,
My prayers and heart felt sympathy are with you and your family in the suffering of you loss.
Nate Askew
CHS
Hi Vicki,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I’m especially thinking of you today and tomorrow as you are going through the visitation and the wake and funeral.
May the God of all comfort wrap you in His arms of strength and give you His peace and healing and restore your joy.
Love,
Bev
I condolences go out to you and your family. God Bless
Karen – I am so sorry. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Eva
Karen – The Ashley Family extends our deepest condolensces in the loss of your father. We will keep your family in our prayers through this time of loss and mourning. From one fire department family to another.
Karen and Family –
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God provide you strength and continue to bless you. Love, Melissa
Karen and the Lentz family, Marty and I are really saddened by this tragic event. We extend our heartfelt condolences, knowing that these situations are difficult on the family.
Just know that God always has a reason and a plan for each of us and takes us home when he is ready for us to full fill his plan. To be absent from this body is to be immediately present with the Lord.
God bless
Bob and Marty Martin
Karen I want to send my condolence to you and your family during this time of grief and reflection. May you garner the strength to stay strong and always reflect back on the good time the family shared with their dad. May God continue to bless you and the family.
Karen- I’m so sorry to hear about your Father’s death and my prayers are with you and your family.
Karen- I’m so sorry to hear about your Father’s death and my prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything I can do for you just know that I’m only a phone call away. God be with you and your family during this season of grief. Love, Bev
Karen-please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now. I am here for you whenever you need to talk. I’m sending hugs your way….
Love ya-
Shannon
Karen,
i am at a loss. i dont know what to say to make any of this easier for you and your family. i am though terribly sorry. yo call me if you need a shoulder. i am & always be here for you.
love you,
michelle
Karen,
So sorry to hear about your father. Our thoughts are with you during this time.
Christy
Karen, My heart goes out to you and your entire family. It sounds like your dad was a really special kind of person and is sure to be missed by many, many folks…
Karen, My heart goes out to you and your entire family. It sounds like your dad was a really special kind of person and is sure to be missed by many, many folks…
Karen: I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Judi
Ms Karen, Elsie, brothers and sisters……
A heartfelt condolences to you and your wonderful family.Linus has left the gifts of his life in all of you and thus, a beautiful mark upon this world. The beauty of his life surely continues to shine through family, friends and all that he touched. May we all have the pleasure to know such a man and continue to hold him in our hearts as we pass such richness on. May God Bless you all and hold you in Peace and Love.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know how difficult this is for you. God bless you. Remember all the special moments that you had with him. That will help you through.
Sorry for your loss, your family are in my prayers.
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
To my friend Karen and family –
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Remember that love endures all things. And when you seek to renew your spirit, look inside your heart for this is where our loved ones will always be found.
G!
To the *entire* Lentz family- my deepest and sincere condolences at this difficult time. I remember Linus as always being a bright and funny guy- he **always** had a good thing to say. Know that he is in good hands know. God bless all of you.
Vicki and Family,
We are keeping you in our prayers, in this time of sorrow.
D’Elbie Walker~
Vicki and family, Our prayers are with you. As I read about your father I realize you share a lot of his spark for life — I feel blessed to have seen his light through you. Please remember to continue to share his gift of energy and love of life. Carol
Vicki,
My heart breaks for your loss. I am thinking and praying for you and your family – specifically that even through this tragic time that God would provide you with comfort that allows you to say “It is well with my soul.”
Rebekah
Vicki, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. If I can do anything for you, please, do not hesitate to ask. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless….Eve
We are so sorry to hear this tragic news.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to your and your famiies. You are in our thoughts and prayers..
Brenda: I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Elsie & family –
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you at this very difficult and sad time. We had heard about the accident but no name until I talked to Mom & Dad (Angie & Leonard) Thursday evening. Know Linus is at home with God watching over all of you. May you feel the love and peace of God to help you through this. You are in our prayers. Mary, Jay, Casey, Calsey, & Dale
I would like to thank everyone who came ,stood in the long lines just to pay respects to my “DAD” It was greatly appericated. It shows just how many people he really TOUCHED!!! The stories told about dad were amazing.I’ll miss him FOREVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you Elsie and children and to the Lentz and Chihak Families!
Bob and Dorothy (Gansen) Drilling
Tony and Andy I know how hard it is to lose someone you love. Now you guys got your own personal guardian angel. Your dad is always going to be watching over you .Love , Stephanie
Karen,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joyce McCormick
Sending my thoughts & prayers to Linus’s family. May you find comfort in the days ahead, with the many memories you’ve had with him.
Sincerely, Ron Lentz
To Karen & family – My deepest condolences on your lost. Thought and prayers to all of you.
We would like to thank everyone who came to dad’s funeral and expressed sympthy to our family during this time of sorrow. It meant a great deal to us and we are very appreciativ for all of your prayers. All’s we can say now is that the coon, deer and the fish are relieved as they don’t have to worry about his traps, the fire of his gun and his fishing hooks!!
Brenda, I was saddened to hear about the death of your father. I wish I could have been there to say one final goodbye but we were out of town. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Dear Brenda and Family,
I was so sorry to read about your dad in the paper online. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time. It is so hard to lose a parent. I hope your heavy heart will find some comfort in all the memories you have.
Kendra Dunnick
Dear Elsie and family, We want to express our deepest sympathy to you. We will always remember a trip to Minnesota with Elsie and Linus. Linus kept teasing us with his poka tape. He always had a smile and it will always shine through each and everyone of us. God Bless ALL of you. Loving hearts from the Burmans.
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My condolences to your family as well. Cherish the moments you remember most, for his memory will live on forever. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Dear Vicki and Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the passing of your Father. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
In Christ’s love,
Cris, Lydia, Amanda and Colin
Karen and family – I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Elsie and family: We were saddened to hear about Linus. He has always been such a great individual and a pillar of the community. I know he will be missed by many and especially your family. I have always enjoyed visiting with both of you Elsie when we would happen to run into each other. Your family is in our prayers and we hope you find comfort in the many special memories you have of your husband, father and grandfather.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad period.
Vicki and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s sudden death. It’s hard whether it is expected or sudden. Please know that there are many here that are remembering you and your family in their prayers. I pray God gives you peace and strength, and with time, easing of your sorrow.
Sharon L. Bradley, RN
Tulsa Health Dept.
CDC Division
TO The Lentz Family, I was sorry to read about your husband/father in the Des Moines Register. I don’t know if you remember me but I took care of David while he was in Charles City. He was my favorite, I think you knew that. Please know you are in my thought’s and prayer’s at this difficult time. God Bless you.
Dear Lentz family,
I am so sorry to hear of Linus’ death. I wish I could have personally extended my sympathies to you, but I was out of town. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May the love and support from your family, friends, and community comfort you. God bless you all.
Sorry to hear of your loss, he will be missed by all of us.
The times spent with Linus at Fire Department functions. Jeff going to the feed store to hear the latest tales. Vickie babysitting Raquel when she was younger. The Lentz family as a whole is such an inspiration to other families. God bless you and all of yours in this time of grief.
Words can not express the appreciation of everyones kindness, generosity, helping hand, hugs and caring words during this difficult time for my mother, brothers, sisters and extended family.
I know that my father is worry free today in HEAVEN and enjoying time catching up with others who have gone before him.
To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say…
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.”
It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan.
There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er.
I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too…
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night……”My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented….that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it’s time for you to go…. from that body to be free,
remember you’re not going…..you’re coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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