WARREN ALFRED LENZ

life story

Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Great Uncle

(Green, Green Grass of Home was a regular song in Warren's piano repertoire)

The old hometown looks the same as I step down from the train

And there to meet me is my mama and papa

And down the road I look and there runs Mary hair of gold and lips like cherries

It's good to touch the green green grass of home

Yes they'll all come to meet me arms areached smiling sweetly

It's so good to touch the green green grass of home

The old house is still standing though the paint is cracked and dry

And there's that old oak tree that I used to play on

Down the lane I walk with my sweet Mary hair of gold and lips like cherries

It's good to touch the green green grass of home

Then I awake and look around me at these four grey walls that surround me

And I realize that I was only dreaming

For there's a guard and there's that sad old padre arm in arm we'll walk at daybreak

And again I'll touch the green green grass of home

They'll all come to see me in the shade of that old oak tree

As they lay me neath the green green grass of home

Warren A Lenz - Father, Grandfather, Uncle to many

Warren Alfred Lenz, aka "Moes" to his family, Warrney to friends, passed away on the morning of Christmas Day, December 25th, 2022. Warren was born in Fairmont, Minnesota on December 10th, 1928, the youngest of 12 children, to Charles E. and Alma (Guiswiler) Lenz. Warren graduated high school in Fairmont. Having grown up on a large farm, he was an accomplished farmer and carpenter. As a young adult, Warren moved to California where his siblings lived. He owned and operated a bakery route until the draft board came calling in 1951. Warren served as a (decorated) Sergeant in the US Army, 84th Engineer Battalion, part of the Infantry, in South Korea. Warren and his platoon were tasked with building the "Bridge of No Return" in the MDL between the two Koreas. Upon his discharge he returned to Minnesota by way of Colorado. Warren spent the remainder of the 1950s building homes in Albert Lea. In the 60s, Warren went onto join his brother Victor as an overseas engineer contracted by the oil companies operating in Indonesia, mainly in Sumatra. He eventually settled in Albert Lea, Minnesota where he lived until 2010. In Albert Lea Warren was known for his role as an original co-owner/creator/contractor of the Stable's Supper Club, an iconic restaurant venue that operated for several years until its closure in the 90s and to this day, is fondly talked about. It was during his short time as an owner that Warren met Carol Laskewitz who went on to become his wife. They were married for 27 years until the late 80s. The couple have 3 children, Kerry, Michael and Stacey. While a resident of Albert Lea, Warren was also known for his refined home building talent and later hardwood floor installations. In 2010, Warren moved to Walnut Shade, Missouri, an area adjacent to Branson, Missouri where he lived until mid 2020. The decision was made to move Warren into a VA Medical Foster Home in Woodbury, Minnesota given the progressive deterioration of his knees that made him at risk of falls. He lived in a beautiful, private residence with a full time caregiver until his passing. For those that knew Warren well, he possessed an incredible sense of humor that extended to all his siblings and many nieces and nephews. The Lenz family is huge and entertaining! His humor will be sorely missed. Warren was also an exceptional musician perhaps best remembered for his piano playing. He possessed a keen ear for music, was self taught and able to play any instrument with ease, a rare skill indeed. Throughout his life, Warren enjoyed hunting, fishing, gambling and shenanigans with friends. He travelled to Kenya, East Africa on several occasions to visit his daughter Stacey and her family. He enjoyed many safari adventures including jaunts into neighboring Tanzania and several month long visits Diani Beach on the exquisite Indian ocean. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 56 in Albert Lea and a lifetime member of the VFW. He was also a member of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. Warren is preceded in his death by his brother Donald, KIA, WW II Battle of the Bulge, Belgium, his mother Alma, father Charles and later by his siblings Victor Lenz, Frank Lenz, Elaine Garner, LuVerna Fuller, Sylvan (Steve) Lenz, Alice Tenney, Caroline Colby, Celia Valencia and Elmer Lenz along with their respective spouses and several nieces and nephews. Warren is survived by his children, the last born, Stacey Lenz of Tampa, Florida; middle child, Michael Lenz, currently posted in DC/MD area; eldest son, Kerry Lenz of Mankato, MN; former wife, Carol Scott of Walnut Shade, Missouri; adored daughter-in-law, Kyong Sedelmeyer of Rochester, Minnesota; and his much loved grandchildren, Sam Lenz, Rochester, Minnesota, Natasha Lenz, New Hope, Minnesota, Olivia Lenz, Tampa, Florida and Seth Lenz, DC/MD. Warren is also survived by his elder brother, Lester Lenz and his wife, Elaine of Welcome, Minnesota in addition to a plethora of nieces and nephews, all very much loved and too many to mention! In lieu of flowers or monetary contributions, the family kindly requests donations be made in memory of Warren Lenz (memo) to HONOR GUARD, AL American Legion Post 56, 142 N Broadway, Albert Lea, MN 56007 or your local VFW. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, ideally late spring or early summer of 2023. Plans will be announced once they become final. Cards and messages of condolence may be sent to the Lenz Family / Carol Scott, PO Box 929, Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 AND to Warren's brother, Lester & Elaine Lenz, 1672 120th Street, Welcome, MN 56181.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life honoring Warren Lenz will be held at a later day in late spring, early summer of 2023. Plans will be announced once they are formalized.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services