Charles J. Lenze
September 23, 2013
Charles J. Lenze, 66, passed way at home following an extended illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Cumming, IA. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial will be private in Belle Plaine, Iowa.
Chuck was born on December 18, 1946 in Mason City, IA to Alice (Tallman) and Leonard Lenze. He graduated from Drake University Pharmacy School and worked for Mercy Hospital as a student and for the balance of his career.
Chuck was a great outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, camping, bicycling, snow skiing, and dog training. He was also an avid wine maker. Chuck was a volunteer at Living History Farms, and a member of Ducks Unlimited, an Eagle Scout, and served on the Warren County Conservation Board.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Elaine Lenze; sons, Troy (Gregoria Lyssikatos) Lenze, and Eric Lenze; brother, Herm (Kyla) Lenze; nieces, Tracy (George) Ahn, Monica Friesen, and Sara (Caleb) Brown; nephew, Adam Lenze; brother-in-law, Richard Pepoon; and sister-in-law, Cynthia (Don) Adams; 3 great-nephews and a great-niece. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ducks Unlimited, or to the Friends of Warren County Conservation Board. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jane DeWitt
09/30/2013
Elaine and Family - I was shocked and sorry to see that Chuck had passed away. I worked with him for 2 years in my first job as a pharmacist...nearly 40 years ago. It was a nice surprise to see you both at some CIPA dinners in more recent years. It seemed he hadn't changed a bit. He was a good guy - and I know he will be missed.
George Meinecke
09/28/2013
So sorry for your loss. We enjoyed Chuck's passion for the outdoors and life. He was always doing something we wished we were doing! Good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Josh Finley
09/27/2013
Elaine and Family,
So sorry for your loss, I met Chuck through DU, but I really enjoyed the time I spent with him in the marsh and talking about the outdoors.
Dennis Sibert
09/27/2013
So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. We were in Junior High and High School in band together. He was a good person. I never remember him having anything negative to say about anyone. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. MCHS Class of '65
Anne Herwig
09/27/2013
My deepest sympathy. Chuck was such a kind, caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mike Wulfekuhle
09/27/2013
My deepest sympathy to your family in this time of sorrow. My prayers and thoughts will be with you in this difficult time.
Debra Quinn
09/26/2013
Elaine, I am deeply saddened to learn that Chuck has passed. I can still hear his voice answering my pharmacy questions at work. I always knew, he knew the correct answer! I pray God will comfort each of you as only He can. Blessings to you.
Phyllis Olson
09/26/2013
My deepest sympathy; I so wish I didn't have to be out of town this weekend. Chuck was a long time colleague and friend. My best Chuck story: One cold day in Northern Iowa, Chuck and I were rabbit hunting with our Ruger Six Shooters. We couldnt find many rabbits nor could we hit what we found. We decided to do some target practice in an old barn. With hay bales as a back drop, we tied up a board with twine and set up some old oil cans. I aimed at something and accidently hit one of the cans. Then Chuck said, I suppose now you are going to tell me you can hit that twine. There was a John Deere oil can on the board; I aimed as hard as I could at the deer on that can and pulled the trigger. Down went the board; I hit the twine! You should have seen the look on Chucks face! I wasnt about to tell him what I was really aiming at.
Greg & Sheila Hraha
09/26/2013
We're so sorry for your loss. Chuck always demonstrated a gentle spirit. Thoughts are with you all.
TimHenning
09/26/2013
Chuck was ALWAYS a very kind, unjudgemental individual. We shared the love of dogs and waterfowling. He fought a courageous battle and in that alone he won!
Sally Schonbok
09/26/2013
So sorry for your loss. Will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers now and in the difficult days ahead.
Lance and Laura (Luth) Novak
09/26/2013
Elaine - Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Sending prayers of comfort.
Chad and Liberty Davidson
09/26/2013
Elaine, Troy, and Eric - we are so sorry to hear of Chucks passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Scott Greif
09/26/2013
So sorry to hear this! Chuck was a special guy. Growing up he always had a smile on his face and was always trying to teach/coach/help all of us kids in all we did. Thoughts and prayers to the family!
Jan Milroy - Living History Farms
09/26/2013
Elaine and Family - I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Chuck. As a long time volunteer he was a dedicated and instrumental part of our historic drug store and the story we tell at Living History Farms. He will be missed by many here.
Our thoughts are with you.
Jan Milroy