Obituary of Eugene "Gene" Lenz

Eugene “Gene” Lenz, 92, resident of Summerville, SC passed away peacefully on Aug 11, after suffering from Alzheimer’s. He died restfully with his loving daughter Sandy at this side.

Gene was born on May 20, 1931, in Freeport, IL, to Karl and Esther Lenz.  He moved to Rockford, IL, where he graduated from East High School in 1949. He loved playing high school basketball and his team played in the state championship in 1948.  He attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and graduated with a degree in Pharmacy in 1953.  He married his college sweetheart Marjorie Gampert in 1952, and after graduation he served two years in the US. Army in Rolla, MO. Gene and Marge had three children – Mark, Bob and Sandy.  After Mark was born in 1955, Gene moved the family to Loves Park, IL, to work alongside his father at Lenz Pharmacy. The family business grew to eventually include five pharmacies, with Gene, younger brother Wayne, and brother in-law Dick working as pharmacists.  Gene’s son, Bob, also started his career as a pharmacist and also worked at the family business.

In April,1995, Gene was married to Margaret (Peg) Madsen and lived in Cherry Valley, IL.  He lovingly welcomed to the family his stepchildren, Kelly and Mike.  Gene and Peg enjoyed their retirement years in Gulf Shores, AL, and North Ogden, UT.  After Peg’s passing, Gene moved to Summerville, SC.

Gene was handsome, athletic, and had a mischievous sense of humor. He was always making jokes, and enjoyed making people laugh. He lived his life with purpose and a passion for helping others, doing mission work and supporting local charities. He loved riding his motorcycle, playing racquetball, and engaging others in good conversation.  He also enjoyed listening to good music, which always made him want to dance.

Gene is survived by his children Mark Lenz of Norfolk, CT (with Priscilla Lenz), Robert Lenz of Minneapolis, MN (with Tom Paul), daughter Sandy Lenz Jackson of Summerville, SC; step children Kelly Matzl of Ogden, UT (with Brian Matzl), Mike Madsen of LaCrosse, WI (with Jean Madsen); sister Norma Steward of Thousand Oaks, CA, brother Wayne Lenz of Rockford, IL; niece, Connie Sabatino, and nephews Randy Steward and Matt Lenz, 6 grandchildren, 7 step grand children, and 8 great-grand children.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Peg, father and mother, Karl and Esther Lenz, brother-in-law, Dick Steward, sister-in-law, Dee Lenz, niece, Val Judd, nephew, Doug Lenz.

He will be missed, but he loved the Lord, and we have the hope that he is with his Heavenly Father, in his forever body, joyfully dancing, of course.

Celebration of Life will be held at Simplicity in Ladson, SC, 281 Treeland Rd

Sat Sept 16th at 2pm.

Notes of memories would be cherished. Please send to lenz80@icloud.com