1Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wa, December 5-6, 2010.
"LENTZ, Del "Papa"
1942-2010
Of Clayton, WA passed away unexpectedly in Deer Park, and is with our Lord and Savior, waiting for his family to join him. Del was born to William Charles Lentz and Joy D. Bailey in Kalispel, Montana. He lived in Whitefish, Montana until the age of 12, when he moved to the Mica Peak area near Spokane. He graduated from Central Valley High School, where he played football, wrestled and was a member of the Future Farmers of America. He went to state wrestling championships all four years of high school. He joined the United States Coast Guard where he was a Sonarman. He was proud of his service to his country. At the end of his duty he met and married Darlene Lippold and they had a daughter LaRae. He attended the Local 44 Pipefitters and Steamfitters apprenticeship program in Spokane and became a journeyman pipe fitter He installed the refrigeration systems in many of the supermarkets in this area for over 20 years. Later he worked as a maintenance mechanic at the Spokane International Airport until his retirement in 2000. After the early death of Darlene in 1972 he married Mary Rogers. They built a home in Chattaroy and had two children, Loren and Christy. In 1979 they moved to Clayton to start the Lazy "L" Ranch. Del instilled the love of farming into his son, who now runs it as a business. Del would always be willing to jump up in the middle of the night to drive a tractor when the hay was ready to be baled or fields needed to be plowed. About the only thing that could distract Del from farming was fishing. He went to Alaska several times with his son and daughter and last winter finally purchased his dream fishing boat. He and his fishing buddies finally found the "Hot Spot" at Lake Roosevelt and he couldn't wait for his next day on the water. Del is survived by his wife Mary at the home. Daughters: LaRae Lentz, Deer Park; Christy (Jeromy) Waunch and grandchildren Abigail, Jeremiah, Eli and Isaac of Deer Park. Son Loren (Ellen) and granddaughter Hailey of Clayton. Also his Brother Bill (Diane) Lentz. Sisters: Carol (Pat) Charles; Elaine (Ken) Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Irvin. Dad never met a stranger and loved to start a conversation with anyone willing to chat. He was fond of his little community and his neighbors as they were always there for each other in times of need. His fondness for his community was evident in the various projects he was involved in and the many hours he volunteered in the area. Del was involved in the Clayton Grange #456 for over 20 years. When the grange building burned in 2005 he was instrumental in finding a way to rebuild it within the brick shell. He also volunteered many hours on numerous projects at the Clayton Community Fairgrounds. Finally, The Center- a Place for Youth, in Deer Park, was the last major project that Del was involved in. Del took on this project as a personal challenge and was in the building by himself working when he collapsed and died. Now, he has left this project unfinished. Therefore, the family has asked that, in leui of flowers, donations of cash or hard work be made for the completion of this work for the Lord. Donations may be mailed to the YOUTH CENTER PO Box 2018 Deer Park, Wa. 99006.
Memorial service will be held at the Deer Park Elementary School, Corner of South Weber and D St. In Deer Park on December 12th, 2010. There will be a soup luncheon for everyone, starting at Noon with the memorial to follow at 1:30pm.
LAUER FUNERAL HOME, Deer Park, WA.".