Jeffrey Don Lenz

Jeffrey Don Lenz, 68, of Willmar, died Tuesday, May 25th at his home. His memorial service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, May 29th at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Willmar with a visitation one hour prior to his service. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Jeffrey Don Lenz was born April 2, 1953, to Alfred and Dolores (Brummer) Lenz in Granite Falls. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Renville. Jeff grew up in Renville where he graduated from Renville High School in 1972. Following high school, Jeff enlisted in the US Navy. He first got assigned to the USS Dubuque LPD-8 where he served from 1972-1975. Jeff discharged in 1975 and returned to Renville where he worked at Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar COOP until rejoining the Navy in 1982. He then served on the aircraft carrier, USS Midway CV-41, from 1982-1985, before transferring to the USS Acadia AD-42 in 1985. On July 12, 1986, Jeff was united in marriage to Mary Hanson at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Renville. To this union two boys were born: Kyle and Caleb. In February 1988 Jeff was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital, Illinois. In 1991 Jeff and his family moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he worked in the officer's barracks in hospitality. Jeff and family moved back to the Great Lakes Naval Base in December 1994 where Jeff worked in the recruit's galley until his retirement from the Navy on March 31, 1999. Civilian life brought Jeff and family back to Minnesota. Jeff enjoyed yard work, he even won “Yard of the Month” on the base in 1997. He also enjoyed detailing his cars, grilling, playing harmonica and playing cards with his friends.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Mary; sons: Kyle (Amber) Lenz and their daughter, Ella Rose, of Elgin and Caleb Lenz of Willmar; siblings: Greg (Lori) Lenz of Brooklyn Park, Barb (Steve) Woltjer of Willmar; sister-in-law, Karen (Daryl) Deisting of Kandiyohi.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sons: Tyler and Conner.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffrey Don Lenz, please visit our floral store.