John Lentz

John Lentz age 84 of Elma, IA, died Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, IA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma with Rev. Telesphore Dusabe celebrating the Mass.

Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery, Elma with Josh Lentz, Jordan Lentz, Jessica Lentz, Kaleigh Howlett, Morgan Oliver, Sydney Oliver, Justin Lentz, and Miranda Lentz serving as pallbearers. Elma Legion Post #597 John Frahm will conduct military honors at the cemetery.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2025, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma where there will be a 7:00 p.m. scripture service. Visitation continues one hour prior to the Mass at the church in Elma on Tuesday.

John L. Lentz, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, in Mason City, Iowa, at the age of 84. Born on December 11, 1940, in Elma, Iowa, to Charles and Gertrude Lentz, John’s life was marked by dedication to his family, his community, and his faith.

John’s early life in Elma laid the foundation for a lifetime of commitment and service. It was in the vibrant community of Spillville where he met the love of his life, Sandra Rance, at a dance. Their partnership blossomed into a loving marriage on August 14, 1965, and together they built a life filled with joy and purpose.

Throughout his career, John was known for his strong work ethic and amiable nature. He held various positions at Conway Furniture Store, Moormans Feed Company, Howard County Mutual Insurance, and as an agent for the Catholic Order of Foresters Insurance. His professional life was characterized by integrity and a genuine desire to help others.

John’s dedication to service extended well beyond his professional endeavors. He was an active member of the Army Reserves and served the Elma Fire Department for many years. In 1986, he took on the role of Chairman for the Elma Centennial, demonstrating his love for his hometown and its history. His involvement with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, Elma Museum Board, and the Immaculate Conception Church Choir reflected his deep commitment to his faith and community.

John’s interests were as diverse as they were passionate. He found joy in family time, solving crossword puzzles, and indulging in word search books. He was an avid reader of Our Iowa Magazine and cherished the tradition of pheasant hunting with his sons and grandsons. These simple pleasures were the threads that wove the rich tapestry of John’s life.

Left to honor John’s memory is his beloved wife of 59 years, Sandy Lentz of Elma, Iowa; children, Jeff (Paula) Lentz of Mason City, Iowa, Shelley (Mark) Oliver of Mason City, Iowa, and Steve (Kris) of Mason City, Iowa. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Josh, Jordan, Jessica Lentz, Kaleigh Howlett, Morgan and Sydney Oliver, and Justin and Miranda Lentz, as well as his eleven great-grandchildren who brought him immense pride and joy.

John is also survived by his siblings, Charlotte Sweeney of Chicago, Illinois, Sister Bonita Lentz of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dan (Dena) of Bullhead City, Arizona, Rose (Tom) Walsh of Lewisville, North Carolina, and Michael (Robin) Lentz of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister-in-law, Elsie Lentz of Elma, Iowa. His life was a testament to the strength of family bonds and the enduring love that connects generations.

Preceding John in death were his parents, Charles and Gertrude Lentz, his parents-in-law, Ray and Angeline Rance, his brothers Linus and Joe, brother-in-law Bob Sweeney, Tom Smith, and Ray R. Rance, and sister-in-law Sue McEachran. They have now welcomed him into eternal rest with open arms.