Todd J. Lentz

Todd Lentz, age 59, of Alta Vista, IA passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at Unity Point Hospital in Waterloo, IA with his family by his side.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista, IA with Fr. Jerry Kopacek celebrating.  Burial will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma, IA with a 2:45 PM Scriptural Wake Service.  Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass on Thursday.  Online condolences may be left at www.conwaymarkham.com.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Todd Joseph was born November 6, 1963, in New Hampton, IA, the son of Louie and Kay (Carney) Lentz.  He attended and graduated from New Hampton High School.  After completing his education, Todd drove truck for Warren Transport and began his lifelong excavating career with his father.  He temporarily worked for Chickasaw County running a motor grader before purchasing his own equipment and returning to Lentz Excavating, later joined in business by his son, Travis in 2006.  On November 6, 1985, while making a birthday beer run, Todd met a bartender who caught his attention that would eventually share his last name as well as his birthday.  Todd was united in marriage to Diane Gerleman at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church on November 20, 1987.  He welcomed Diane’s son, Zac as his own.  The family made their home in Alta Vista, adding two more sons, Travis and Nathan.  They settled on Todd’s childhood acreage, home to “Louie’s Cat House.”

While Todd worked hard, he played even harder.  He enjoyed riding his Harley, relaxing at their cabin on the Mississippi, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends.  You could find him manning the grill at the St. Patty’s Day pork chop dinner or spending time at “The Oaks.”

Those left to cherish Todd’s memory are his wife of 35 years, Diane of Alta Vista; his sons, Travis (Dana) Lentz of Alta Vista and Nathan (Jordan) Lentz of West Chester, PA; his grandchildren, Brianna, Trevor, Connor, Mya, Waylon, and Charlie; his siblings, Deb (Randy) Brooks of Sedalia, MO, Sue (Tony) Monson of Leland, IA, and Julie (Shep) Lentz of Britt, IA; his mother-in-law, Marlys Gerleman of Charles City, IA; his siblings-in-law, Jeanne (Jim) Minder of Hastings, MN, Ken (Judy) Gerleman of Iowa City, IA, Connie (Lynn) Hilgendorf of Sumner, IA and Gary (Terry) Gerleman of Cedar Rapids, IA and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Kay Lentz, his brother, Tony; sister, Pam; stepson, Zac; his parents-in-law, Matt and Rosemary Gerleman and Jim Gerleman.