Curtis William Lenz

Curtis W. Lenz, 99, of Lansing, IA, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 26th, at 11:00 AM at United Methodist Church in Lansing, IA, with Kevin Smith officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lansing. Friends may call from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Thursday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.


Curtis William Lenz was born October 8, 1911 at Church, IA, the son of William Henry and Matilda (Bauman) Lenz. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lansing and graduated from Lansing High School. Curtis and Virginia (Cooper) were married in St. Louis, Missouri on June 7, 1937. When they returned to Lansing to make their home, Curtis worked with his father repairing tractors and automobiles. William sold the first McCormick Deering 1020 tractor in Allamakee County. They continued the business with International Harvester tractors and Pontiac cars for many years. In later years, he partnered with his brother-in-law, Bill Underwood and continued the business. He worked until he was 97 years old repairing tractors and cars.

In his spare time, he and Virginia enjoyed riding horses and were founding members of the Upper Iowa Saddle Club. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching Chicago Cubs baseball, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always had a story to tell. Curtis was soft spoken and always had a smile for everyone.

Survivors include his 2 sons, Roger (Jo) Lenz and Keith (Jan) Lenz, 6 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Virginia and his two sisters, Evelyn Lenz and Alice (Bill) Underwood.


Honorary casketbearers are Bradly, Nathan and Brandon Lenz, Aubrie, Ashton and Evan Lenz; Matthew Wilson; Penny Adair; Madison and Carson Givens; Jill Lentz; Grant Ware; Ryan, Jaiden, Cody and Kanon Lenz. Casketbearers are Roger Lenz, Keith Lenz, Paul Lenz, Dustin Lenz, Robert Lenz, Kirby Lenz.