Racine- Dr. Donald Edward Lenz, D.D.S., 78, passed away on Friday evening, September 7, 2007 at 11:35 pm. A lifetime resident, he was born in Racine on February 22, 1929 to the late John and Helen (nee: Stieve) Lenz. A graduate of William Horlick High School in 1947, Don went on to receive his undergraduate education from the University of Minnesota. Following, he proudly went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Marquette University in 1956. Upon graduating, Don faithfully served our Country with the United States Navy, as a dentist, at the San Diego Naval Station from 1956-58. Finally, Dr. Lenz returned to Racine to start his private practice in 1958, retiring in 1993. On September 4, 1954 at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Audrey Ann Svoboda. His family was his passion. Surviving are his loving wife of over 53 years, Audrey; their children, Thomas Lenz; Dr. Mark (Therese) Lenz, DDS; Amy (William) Roszkowski; and Julie (Michael, M.D.) Richter; grandchildren, Kristin, Joseph and Michael Lenz; Lauren and Abbey Roszkowski; and Katherine and Jane Richter; sisters-in-law, Marlene “Mitzi” (Bill) Riegelman and Marina Svoboda; nieces and nephews, Cheryl Bethune, Linda Shelton, David Lenz; William and Paul Svoboda and Valerie Joers; and by many other special relatives (including Aunts Helen Stieve and Doris Brecka), former patients and friends too numerous to mention by name. Dr. Lenz was a devoted member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church since 1962, where he had served as Home & School president and regularly volunteered to help with weekly church collections. Don also had been active in Boy Scouting where he fondly witnessed both of his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He and his family enjoyed many years of membership at Meadowbrook Country Club. Don truly loved being surrounded by his family and treasured watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved the outdoors and in his spare time he enjoyed trap shooting, golfing, and muskie fishing . Dr. Lenz served two-terms as president of the Racine Dental Society. Don was an intense Green Bay Packer, Marquette, and Wisconsin Badger fan. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by brothers, Robert (Ruby) and Wayne Lenz; and by brother-in-law, Wayne Svoboda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 5:30 pm with Rev. Allen Bratkowski, Rev. William Burkert and Rev. Cletus Uhen concelebrating. Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 pm. Private interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. In memory of Don, memorials to St. Edward’s Church or to the Alzheimer’s Assn. “Memory Walk” have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to all the staff of Washington Manor and Hospice Alliance for the compassionate end-of-life care that was so warmly extended; and to all our neighbors and friends for your continued support. God bless all of you!
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