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.
Tim & Dianna Wiegert
09/26/2013
Elaine, Troy, and Eric, We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in sharing your memories with family and friends. Chuck may be gone, but will never be forgotten. God Bless You.
Scott Morrow and family
09/26/2013
Elaine, Troy, and Eric so sorry to learn of Chucks passing. He was a great man! I remember always running into him at the hospital and how kind and genuine he was! May he rest in peace! Our thoughts and prayers are going out to your family at this time.
Kami Henson
09/26/2013
Elaine, Troy, Eric, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto Chuck, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Roger Sedlacek
09/26/2013
Top shelf guy! Only met once in person, right before my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Once Chuck (and Elaine) found out, he always stayed in touch through her battle (she won :)). Elaine...may the road rise to meet you. Roger, Allison, Mason, Ellery, and Liza.
Scott & Terah Henson
09/25/2013
Elaine, Eric, and Troy, We are sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron Richards
09/25/2013
I only met Chuck one time in person but hundreds of times online at a couple of waterfowl sites. I knew him as a valiant warrior. His long battle now over and he can be at peace.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you at this trying time.
John Lyssikatos
09/25/2013
Elaine, Eric and Troy, I am so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with Chuck since our families were joined those years ago. He shared many ideals and thoughts I believed in. I am thinnking of all of you at this difficult time. John Lyssikatos
Cindy Patrick Landa
09/25/2013
Elaine and family, I am so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I worked with Chuck at the pharmacy many years ago and think of all my friends from that time often. I just want you to know I am thinking of you in this difficult time.
Nanci (Evenson) Irwin
09/25/2013
Elaine and family, I was so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I'm a former MCHS classmate. Many of us have been praying for him and all of you. We have such fond memories of Chuck. I'm thankful I got to visit with him at our last class reunion. Nanci Evenson Irwin, class of '65.
Ace and Judy Hendricks
09/24/2013
Elaine, Our hearts go out to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you go through this very difficult time. With sympathy, Ace and Judy