William James Lentz

William Lentz Obituary

William James Lentz Battle Creek William James Lentz, 78, of Battle Creek died September 15, 2009 at Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was born August 15, 1931 in Battle Creek, the son of Laurence and Luella (Lehmar) Lentz. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1950 where he was president of the Hi-Y and active in varsity football and baseball. William entered the Air Force in 1951, returning to Kellogg Company where he worked for 39½years before retiring in 1987. William married Esther Wolf, May 13, 1972 in Rockford, MI. She survives. He is also survived by sons, Christopher J. Micklatcher of Augusta, MI, Paul Lentz of TX and Michael Lentz of IL, daughters, Sally Lester of Battle Creek, Mitzi Lantz of GA and Janean Lentz of MI, 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Abraham Zeaiter. William was instrumental in the charter of the Pennfield Presbyterian Church and was later a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Bill with his wife housed a Japanese student, and Chase Crew, and also "UP With People" performers. He served as a scout master and leader in Pennfield Troop #74, family camping, damp campers, bowling congress of America, Grand Trunk retiree's golf, Oakland Hills Golf Club, United Fund Drive, Little League Games and assisted in all sports with the boys. He served as an usher and on the Administrative Board at Chapel Hill UMC. He served as a trustee for the Elks Lodge and several activities for the balloon festival and was a member of American Legion Post 298. He was a member of AARP and Burnham Brook. At the request of the family, they will receive friends Monday, September 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m., Tuesday September 22, 2009 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel and Rev. David L. Morton officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church or Augusta Boy Scout Troop #325. Personal messages may be left at www.farleyestesdowdle.com

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Sep. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for William Lentz

10 Entries

Burke Smyth

October 3, 2009

I knew Bill over the years and was a dedicated Christianman and always willing to help. He will be missed by many. was a pleasure to know him Burke

A Davis

September 25, 2009

I had to opportunity to get to know Mr. Lentz over a short period of time, but I also grew to care about him in that time. I've heard a lot about him, and what a spiritual and compassionate person he was. He will greatly be missed. The family is in my prayers!

Nursing Asst.

September 22, 2009

Dear Esther & Family,
We were all blessed to have known Bill and my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a good friend to so many and loved his family so much. May God comfort you and your family.
Love Always
Jackie

S. Lynd

September 21, 2009

R.I.P.Mr Lentz i seen you up and i seen you down i got to spend your last year with you god be with you from you'r Nursing assistant

Charla Olds

September 20, 2009

Esther & Family
We are so sorry to hear about Bill.
If there is anything we can do let us know. You and your family are in our prayers.

Your Friends Charla & Howard Olds and Debora Simpkins

Sandy Theisen

September 20, 2009

Esther,

You and Bill are both such inspirations to me (and to everyone!) The love that you shared with each other and those around you is unmatched! We know Bill is home with his father, and some day, we will see him again. And he will be perfect in every way. My thoughts and prayers and love are with you during this difficult time. Love, Sandy

Gary Hollaway

September 20, 2009

It pains me to know that I will not be able to attend Bill’s services. I truly want to be there and pay my respect to a person that was there for me in my time of need. Esther and Bill are two in one that have experienced a love that not many have known. They have always been so kind to me and I will always have a place in my heart for both.

I have so many fond memories of my stay with what I call my second family that I just have to smile with every thought. Upon my return from Europe I stayed with them for several months as they took me in as family. I can not express how fortunate I am to have them in my life. Bill and Esther (or Mom & Dad) are some of the most gracious people on this earth and I know the angels are singing because they are in the company of a very good man. Thanks Bill for all you have done, not only for me, but for everyone who were lucky enough to know you.

Goodbye Dad, you will be missed by so many.

With much love,
Gary

September 20, 2009

My deepest sympathies to your family. I have along with your family many memories of camping and going places with your family. Take care and know it will get better. Penny Bundy

Bill Halstead

September 20, 2009

I knew Bill when I worked in research at Kellogg many years ago. Bill was always with a smile and a kind word. Your family is in our prayers.

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