Ralph L. Lentz

Ralph L Lentz passed away February 1, 2013 at Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth. Ralph was born on August 4th in 1935 to Elmer (Sr) and Viola Lentz. His siblings include his 4 brothers; Wiley and wife Shirley Lentz, Fred and wife Lois Lentz, Elmer and wife Echo Lentz, Steve and wife Sandy Lentz, one sister Nancy Goodwin, and one sister in law Sandra Clark and husband Jerry Clark . Ralph grew up and attended school in Long Pine. His childhood was very special to him. He loved his family and was very proud of his heritage. At the age of 16, he first met and dated Shirley Jewell. She was his first and only love. There were married on March 17th in 1956. Ralph and Shirley were the parents of five children; Mike and wife Katie Lentz of Ainsworth, Deb and husband Bob Nason of Alliance, Pat and wife Colleen Lentz of Ainsworth, Dan and wife Alane Lentz of Ainsworth, and Jeff and wife Margaret of Lytle, Texas. His 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, who referred to Ralph as "Pa", were certainly his pride and joy. He proudly displayed his love for each individual one of them throughout his house.
Ralph was very talented and his hobbies were abundant. He enjoyed working on his computer. Particularly he loved producing photos and annual calendars for family and friends that highlighted birthdays and anniversaries. He also loved his collection of genealogy. Ralph loved his family unconditionally. He leaves a legacy that is invaluable and indescribable. It is a legacy full of love and commitment. Even as he fought his own illness while caring for Shirley he never lost focus on his pursuit to see the lives of those around him continually improve. Ralph believed that to succeed in life you simply needed to believe in yourself and follow God. His legacy is validation of his own success.
Funeral services were held on February 4, 2013 at the St. Pius X Catholic Church in Ainsworth, Nebraska with Father Jim Heithoff serving as Celebrant. Special music was offered by Erica Teel. Pallbearers were, Kevin Lentz, Cody Christ, Hunter Christ, Mark Lentz, Eric Lentz, Matthew Lentz, Benjamin Lentz, Nathan Lentz and Sean Lentz.
Burial was held at the Grandview Cemetery in Long Pine, Nebraska under the direction of Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth. Memorials were suggested to the family for future designation.
Funeral services were held on February 4, 2013 at the St. Pius X Catholic Church in Ainsworth, Nebraska with Father Jim Heithoff serving as Celebrant. Special music was offered by Erica Teel. Pallbearers were, Kevin Lentz, Cody Christ, Hunter Christ, Mark Lentz, Eric Lentz, Matthew Lentz, Benjamin Lentz, Nathan Lentz and Sean Lentz.
Burial was held at the Grandview Cemetery in Long Pine, Nebraska under the direction of Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth. Memorials were suggested to the family for future designation.