Lenz, Adam Sr. 1859-1942

LENZ, SPROESSIG, TITTERINGTON, ZAHREN, SCHMIDT

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/30/2012 at 12:53:33

The Lake Park News, Lake Park, Dickinson, Iowa, USA Thursday, October 8, 1942

Obituary of Adam Lenz Sr.

Adam Lenz Sr., resident of Dickinson county for more than fifty-four years, passed away at his home south of Lake Park on Sept. 28,1942 at the age of 82 years, 11 months and ten days. Mr. Lenz had not been bedfast, and except occasional heart spells, was very _ for his age.

Adam Lenz Sr. was born in Hessen Dorn Stadt, Germany, on Oct. 18, 1859, and passed away at the home of his son Nick Lenz with whom he made his home. The parents of Adam Lenz came to the United States when he was 1 1/2 years old. They settled in Mercer county, Illinois, where they lived one year. The family then moved to a farm near Nichols, Iowa, in Muscatine county, where they made their permanent home, and young Adam grew to manhood. In 1886 Mr. Lenz was united in marriage to Mary A. Lenz. Two years later they purchased and moved to a farm ten miles south of Lake Park where they lived until Mrs. Lenz's death 37 years ago, and which has been Mr. Lenz's home continuously since that time—more than 54 years.

To this union were born eight children, five of whom are living. Three daughters preceded their father in death: Mrs. J. J. Sproessig, Mrs. Ollio Sproessig, and Luvia Lenz. The five living children are: Nick of Lake Park; Mrs. Harl Titterington of Arnolds Park; Mrs. Gilbert Zahren, Adam Jr., and Mrs. Harry Zahren, all of Lake Park. He is also survived by a sister Mrs. Barbara Schmidt of Columbus Junction, Iowa, and one brother George Lenz of Lake Park, and 23 grandchildren, two of whom are in the service of their country.

Mr. Lenz was one of the oldest settlers living in Westport township. He always worked for the betterment of the community which he helped build. He leaves countless friends who will miss him no less than, his loving family. Funeral services were held at the Nick Lenz home Thursday, Oct. 1 at 2:00 o'clock, with Rev. Korthal of Milford conducting the services, and the beautiful music was furnished by Mrs Alvin Myrick and Mrs. Dick Schaafsma who sang "No Night There" and "Sweet Bye and Bye." The many beautiful flowers were arranged by Mrs. Wm. Vetter and Mrs. Chas. Matthiesen.

Interment was in the Westport cemetery beside his wife and three daughters.

Pallbears were six nephews: Charles Matthiesen, Edward Vetter, .William Vetter and Herbert Lenz of Lake Park and Geo. Lenz Jr. and Edd Lenz of Estherville.

Out of town relatives at the last rites were: Sgt. and Mrs. Durward Sproessig and baby of Camp Babbler, MO.; Mr and Mrs. Clyde Leahigh of Aledo, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lenz Jr. and daughter, Mrs. John Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Edd Lenz and Mrs. Mary Lenz, all of Estherville; and the following old friends and neighbors: Mrs. Mary Yager, Will Yager and Wilbur Moreland of Spirit Lake; Ben Wiese, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Wiese, and Mr. arid Mrs. Geo.Frondt of Arnolds Park; Gerald C-en and Mrs. Hans Peterson of Milford; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hakernan of Lake Benton, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Hakeman, Mrs. Millie Coppa and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ahrens of Sutherland; Mr. and Mrs. Jim Byers, Mr. and Mrs. Edd Zahren, Mrs. Emilia Burkhart and Berner, and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kuchenburg of Hartley; Mrs. Brockshus Otto Brockshus, and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Stamp of May City.