Obituary for Gary D. Lenz
JEFFERSON--Gary D. Lenz age 66 of Jefferson, WI. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 27, 2018.
Born June 20th, 1952 in Fort Atkinson, WI. to Charles Sr. and Elayne (Schulz) Lenz, Gary learned early the value of hard work growing up alongside six siblings on their family farm outside Helenville, WI. A 1970 graduate of Jefferson Senior High School, he married his high school sweetheart Diane. After graduation, Gary enlisted in the United States Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. While serving his country, he attended Mira Costa College graduating with honors in Police Science.
After completing his active military service commitment in California, he returned home to Wisconsin in 1974 and served his community with the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department. In his more than 20 years with the department, he climbed the ranks from Sheriff’s Deputy to Patrol Division Lieutenant. He held key roles as a founding member of the JCSD Honor Guard, JCSD Boat Patrol Operator, member of the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) and, after earning his pilot’s license, transported prisoners to correctional facilities across the country. He continued his education earning a Masters Degree in Police Science from Mount Senario College in Ladysmith WI.
Gary served more than 45 years as an active member for both the American Legion and the 750 Voiture of the 40/8. He also served as Commander of the American Legion Post 164 in 1976.
Gary always kept busy. While working full time at the sheriff’s department, he founded Lenz Aluminum. This small but successful siding and roofing company worked on homes throughout the surrounding area. When he wasn’t working, he loved spending time in his workshop. He took great pride in his craftsmanship and creating countless works of art for himself, family and others.
After retiring from self-employment, Gary worked part-time as a maintenance worker for the Jefferson School District. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, bowling, golfing, fishing, hunting, boating and spending time at his cottage near Buckhorn State Park. His most treasured moments were those spent with his family and above all, his grandchildren. The love he had for Lydia, Mason, Logan, Cohen and Emmerson will be eternal, as will be their love for him.
Gary is survived by his son Curtiss (Janna) Lenz of Madison, and daughter Kelly (Andrew) Katrichis of Pewaukee. Devoted and cherished grandfather to; Lydia, Logan, & Cohen Lenz, and Mason & Emmerson Katrichis. Loving brother to Charlayne (Kent) Kiesling of Neenah; Carol Riddell of Fort Atkinson; Christine (Roger) Nordberg of Jefferson; Roxann (Richard) Hotchkiss of Fort Atkinson; and Roslyn (Eric) Wedl of Jefferson; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and of course his loyal dogs Maddie and Taz. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles Sr. and Elayne (Schulz) Lenz of Jefferson and brother Charles (Butch) Lenz of Johnson Creek.
A celebration of life will be held on January 26, 2019 at the Jefferson Masonic Temple (617 Masonic Blvd. Jefferson WI. 53549) from 1-4pm. Lunch will be served.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Gary’s name can be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society of Wisconsin, https://hsjc-wis.com/donate/ OR The Reinhardt-Windl American Legion Post 164 at: 321 N. Main St, Jefferson, WI. 53549
Visit https://memorials.schramkafuneralhome.com/gary-lenz/3684086/service-details.php to leave a condolence, or share a story in Gary’s memory.
Born June 20th, 1952 in Fort Atkinson, WI. to Charles Sr. and Elayne (Schulz) Lenz, Gary learned early the value of hard work growing up alongside six siblings on their family farm outside Helenville, WI. A 1970 graduate of Jefferson Senior High School, he married his high school sweetheart Diane. After graduation, Gary enlisted in the United States Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. While serving his country, he attended Mira Costa College graduating with honors in Police Science.
After completing his active military service commitment in California, he returned home to Wisconsin in 1974 and served his community with the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department. In his more than 20 years with the department, he climbed the ranks from Sheriff’s Deputy to Patrol Division Lieutenant. He held key roles as a founding member of the JCSD Honor Guard, JCSD Boat Patrol Operator, member of the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) and, after earning his pilot’s license, transported prisoners to correctional facilities across the country. He continued his education earning a Masters Degree in Police Science from Mount Senario College in Ladysmith WI.
Gary served more than 45 years as an active member for both the American Legion and the 750 Voiture of the 40/8. He also served as Commander of the American Legion Post 164 in 1976.
Gary always kept busy. While working full time at the sheriff’s department, he founded Lenz Aluminum. This small but successful siding and roofing company worked on homes throughout the surrounding area. When he wasn’t working, he loved spending time in his workshop. He took great pride in his craftsmanship and creating countless works of art for himself, family and others.
After retiring from self-employment, Gary worked part-time as a maintenance worker for the Jefferson School District. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, bowling, golfing, fishing, hunting, boating and spending time at his cottage near Buckhorn State Park. His most treasured moments were those spent with his family and above all, his grandchildren. The love he had for Lydia, Mason, Logan, Cohen and Emmerson will be eternal, as will be their love for him.
Gary is survived by his son Curtiss (Janna) Lenz of Madison, and daughter Kelly (Andrew) Katrichis of Pewaukee. Devoted and cherished grandfather to; Lydia, Logan, & Cohen Lenz, and Mason & Emmerson Katrichis. Loving brother to Charlayne (Kent) Kiesling of Neenah; Carol Riddell of Fort Atkinson; Christine (Roger) Nordberg of Jefferson; Roxann (Richard) Hotchkiss of Fort Atkinson; and Roslyn (Eric) Wedl of Jefferson; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and of course his loyal dogs Maddie and Taz. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles Sr. and Elayne (Schulz) Lenz of Jefferson and brother Charles (Butch) Lenz of Johnson Creek.
A celebration of life will be held on January 26, 2019 at the Jefferson Masonic Temple (617 Masonic Blvd. Jefferson WI. 53549) from 1-4pm. Lunch will be served.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Gary’s name can be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society of Wisconsin, https://hsjc-wis.com/donate/ OR The Reinhardt-Windl American Legion Post 164 at: 321 N. Main St, Jefferson, WI. 53549
Visit https://memorials.schramkafuneralhome.com/gary-lenz/3684086/service-details.php to leave a condolence, or share a story in Gary’s memory.