Earl E. Lenz

Earl Edward Lenz, 93, of Reynolds, ND, passed away Tuesday, July 23rd, at Hatton Prairie Village, Hatton, North Dakota, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 26, 2013 at 10:30am at the Holmes United Methodist Church, rural Reynolds, ND. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:00pm with a prayer service at 7:00pm at Hatton Prairie Village, Hatton, ND.

He was born on December 28th, 1919, in rural Reynolds, North Dakota, to Rueben and Marie (Rux) Lenz.

On September 26th, 1941, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in Europe during World War II until his honorable discharge in November of 1945. He fulfilled duties as a tank operator before being assigned the rank of T-5 Corporal with SHAEF as a driver with the military police.

Upon returning home, he began his life-long career in farming, eventually purchasing his grandfather's farm where he remained until entering the Hatton Prairie Village in 2008. He retired at the age of 85.

Earl married Lois Lilah Roeder of rural Thompson, ND, on December 16th, 1949, at Holmes Evangelical United Brethren church (currently Holmes United Methodist) in rural Reynolds, North Dakota. Together with their five children, they built their farm, raising crops and livestock.

Earl was active in both his church and community and volunteered his time on the Hatton Co-op Creamery Board, the Tri-County Nursing Home Board, and the Union District #53 School Board. He also served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher; and was a member of the Holmes United Methodist Church and the Hatton American Legion.

As often as possible, he was glad to offer his baritone voice wherever it was needed: in the church choir, the Holmes brotherhood chorus, mixed quartets and several male quartet groups.

Earl loved music, especially country music, and enjoyed traveling to listen to his favorites singers. He will always be remembered for his animated game-playing skills, playing often with friends and with his grandchildren.

He is survived by Lois, his wife of over 63 years, his five children, Sandra (Jeff) Boe, Hatton, ND, Shirley (John) Hintermeister, Frazee, MN, Marianne (Kevin) Skalsky, Dilworth, MN, Robert (Danine) Lenz, Thompson, ND, and Julie Lenz, Reynolds, ND; eleven grandchildren: Kathryn (John) Clemens, Kurtis (Lisa) Boe, Korey (Molly) Boe, Melani (Jason) Abel, Melissa Hintermeister, Mark (Ashley) Hintermeister, Breann (Brian) Sommerfeld, Ryan (Nirosh) Skalsky, Kayla (Matthew) Brantner, Jaclynn Lenz, and Tony Lenz; along with thirteen Great-grandchildren, one brother, Lloyd (Betty) Lenz, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and brother-in-law, Viola and Sidney Thompson, one brother and sister-in-law, Clifford and Laverne Lenz, a son-in-law, Jeff Boe, two nephews and one niece.

Clergy: Pastor Shari Fadley