Russell R. Lentz, Jr. (74)
Highland, Illinois, formerly of Grayville, Illinois
Birth: January 23, 1947
Death: September 20, 2021
Russell Rolland Lentz, Jr., 74, of Highland, Illinois, formerly of Grayville, Illinois, died Monday, September 20, 2021, at SSM Health DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, Missouri. He was born January 23, 1947, in Stockton, Kansas, the son of Russell Rolland Lentz and Rose (Traylor) Lentz. He was married to his childhood sweetheart, Deanna (Noel) Lentz, on September 2, 1978, and she survives.
Russell was a maintenance mechanic for the United States Postal Service. He was a United States Army Veteran, and served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. When he lived in Grayville, he was a member of the First Christian Church a lifetime member of the VFW. He was also a Mason. He enjoyed Ham radios, old cars, motorcycles, playing guitar, camping, telling jokes and he especially treasured spending time with his family.
Survivors include wife Deanna Lentz of Highland; son Russell (Tara) Lentz of Highland; daughters Kimberly (Mike) Feaman of Waterloo, Illinois, Lori (Craig) Spanley of St. Charles, Missouri, Denia Lentz of Jackson, Wyoming; sister-in-law Mayanne Lentz of Grayville; grandchildren Ashley McGee, Zachary McGee, Caitlin Baxter, Michael Spanley, Noah Baxter, Azriel Lentz, and Ariel Lentz.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Harold Lentz; and sisters Rosemary Freeman and Mary Kurtz.
Visitation and funeral are Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville. Visitation will be 11 am to 1 pm. Funeral and Masonic Rites will be at 1 pm. Burial with military rites will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Grayville.
Memorials may be made to: DAV – Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave. Staten Island, NY 10305. Memorials will be accepted at Cook Funeral Chapel, Grayville.
My families thoughts and prayers go out to your family, I’m sure Russell will surely be missed. This country owes him a great thank you for his service to our country. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face days ahead and loved memories to forever hold in your heart.
Aaron, Melissa, Caleb, and Ethan Paton.
Oh Russ, how we will miss you. Your sense of humor always made us laugh. Our grandchildren will miss your attention. Especially Adeline who loved doing her studies with you. At dinner time you will be remembered for “Rubba dub dub, thanks for the grub, Yeah God, Amen”. See you in our future heavenly home dear friend. The Donahue family.
Dan and I are so very sorry for your loss. Russ was a lot of fun, and we enjoyed having him and Deanna at our house a few times.
Russ was the greatest neighbor, friend and awesome buddy for the past 16 years, he greeted and welcomed us the day we moved it.
He will b so missed. All our love and deepest sympathy to Deanna and the rest of the family.
Kent, Carol, Matt, Scott and our extended family that met Russ.
Dear Deanna and Denia,
Our thoughts are with you at this incredibly difficult time. We are happy we had the opportunity to meet Russell and hear him play his guitar. We wish you both peace, comfort, and understanding in the days ahead.
Love.
Jennifer Sorg & Ross Kincaid
Dear Deanna and family,
So very sorry for your loss! May God surround you with His love and give you a peace that passes all understanding! Hang on to the memories they will be a great help to get you through the days ahead. Lean on God, He will get you through, let your friends help you in anyway they can!
Hugs and lots of prayers,
Steve and Patti Funkhouser
Sure liked this guy. Sorry for your loss, family. He will be missed.
I was surprised and shocked to learn of Russ’ passing. I met Russ through work, and we shared hobbies of ham radio and playing the guitar. My sincere condolences and prayers to his family and friends. He will be missed by many.
I just found out about Russ’s passing! I am saddened to hear it. I wish I would have known ….
David Hull
314- 952-6037
Russ and his family moved across the street from us when I was a child. I became good friends with his daughters and then later babysat his two youngest a few times. He was such a funny man but also very kind and loyal. I came to love him and the whole family like they were my own. I looked forward to their return visits to Grayville, usually around Labor Day. I rarely saw him without a smile on his face. You never really knew what he was up to. I know that I will miss him dearly and am sending love and prayers his family’s way. Love you Russ, Flamebrain will miss you
My heart aches for you dear Deanna! Also condolences to the rest of the family. Because of Covid fears, we will see you at the cemetery tomorrow.
Love, Marcia and Charlie
Deanna and family, My heart aches and loves you immensely! Russ was a very special person in mine & Richard s life, as you are Deanna. I truly feel your grief. I know that he and Richard are together again. May God give you strength to endure, and may He help ease your pain and grief. Russ will be truly missed by all. Love u always, Winnie
My dear Deanna and family. My heart aches and loves you immensely. Russ was a very dear and special friend in mine and Richard’ s life. As are you, Deanna. I know they are together again.❤️ I ask that God give you strength to endure, peace and comfort, and to bless you always. Love, Winnie
The members of the band, Sh-Boom, extend our sympathies to Deanna and your family. We remember Russ and Deanna attending many of our shows through the years. We pray for peace and comfort for your family.