JAMES LENZ

Jim Lenz, a husband, father, grandfather, craftsman, outdoorsman, friend and leader in the Neenah community, passed away on February 16, 2016, at the age of 86. He died peacefully in his sleep six months after being diagnosed with cancer.

Born in Neenah in 1929 to Herman and Agnes Lenz, Jim was a familiar and much-loved figure in his community. He attended Neenah schools, where he met his wife, Suzanne Hesselman, with whom he celebrated 64 years of marriage last fall. After graduating high school, he served his country as an artillery surveyor in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1949. He returned home to work as a plumber while continuing service in the Army Reserves. He participated in his family's business, Lenz Plumbing, until selling it in 1982, after which he continued working as a master plumber until 1989.

In retirement, Jim energetically shared his compassion and selflessness with the community. Jim was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Neenah. He served the congregation as both a church deacon and elder for multiple terms and attended many volunteer work trips. Jim also volunteered his time for Theda Clark Hospital installing Philips Lifeline® systems in homes throughout the Valley for 17 years.

At the heart of Jim's commitment to service was The Boys' & Girls' Brigade. In addition to attending the Brigade as a youth, he volunteered for 60 additional years as Program Chairman, as in-house plumber, on the Board of Directors and more. The Brigade's Camp Onaway held a dear place in his heart—he opened and closed the facilities for the summer season for many years. Jim's humor and ability to fix anything made him an asset and fond friend on countless service projects.

Jim had many passions in life. He was an immensely skilled and creative woodworker, and loved tinkering in his workshop and yard. He had a great appreciation for nature as an avid fisher and hunter. Each year, he looked forward to fishing and hunting trips with his son, a tradition that lasted through Jim's 84th year. Family was paramount to Jim. He showed his wife, Sue, endless support and love, and his three grandchildren meant the world to him. As “Gramps,” he took an active role in his grandkids' lives, imparting countless words of wisdom and teaching by example along the way. A loving, thoughtful and loyal individual, Jim touched the lives of countless people and was a joy and inspiration to everyone around him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his two children, Steven (Cheryl) Lenz and Sally (Thomas) Tolly, three grandchildren, Sarah (Matthew) Robinson, Brian (Emily) Tolly and Peter Tolly, his sister-in-law, Elaine (Richard) Lenz, nieces and nephews and many friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, David (Helen), Richard and Donald.

A memorial service will be held for Jim on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 200 Church Street, Neenah, WI 54956, with Rev. Richard Moore and Rev. Paul Huxtable officiating. A visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:30 a.m., with a luncheon afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Jim's behalf to First Presbyterian Church or The Boys' & Girls' Brigade.