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Karl LENZ Obituary
Karl Hugh Lenz, 41 of Anaconda, MT, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 8, 2020. Born to Dr. William J. Jr., and Peggy Louise (nee Hoyt) Lenz on March 28, 1979, in
Toledo, Ohio.
Karl grew up in Toledo and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1997 and continued his education at The Ohio State University where he graduated with a degree in sociology. Karl was a free spirit who was happy making other people smile and laugh. He was known to his peers for being a brilliant and creative man and spent time as an amateur comedian and television entertainment variety hour host. His sense of passion for the outdoors was realized through his love of hiking and camping. Many of the skills used for adventuring were learned while earning his Eagle Scout as a member of Troop 27 of Ottawa Hills. Karl loved music and was an avid fan of music of all sorts and
enjoyed playing the banjo. After college, Karl moved to
Portland, Oregon, and loved the City of Roses for its people and culture and beautiful scenery. Karl could be seen
frequently walking his dog through the Columbia River Gorge and enjoying nature. He was an avid Buckeyes fan who shared many Saturdays celebrating buckeye football with his family including torrents of texts after big victories. During the COVID pandemic Karl felt a call to serve during these most
uncertain times and felt an urge to use his sociology degree to help the corrections system of the Montana State Prison.
He was a loving son, brother, and uncle. He loved his family and his life in Oregon and the mountains of Montana. Preceded in death by his father, Dr. William J. Lenz, Jr., and his beloved dog, Chewey. Karl is survived by his mother, Peggy Hoyt Lenz, two brothers, Dr. William Julius "BJ" Lenz III and Dr.
Peter (Carolyn) Lenz, five nephews, Maxwell, Wyatt, Andrew, Hugh, and William, and his longtime friend, Julia Wheeler.
Private services will be held by the family with the Reverend Linda Davison officiating. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations can be made in Karl's name to the charity of your choice that may include, the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society, Metavivor.org, or the Arbor Day Foundation and tree
survivorship opportunities at arborday.org. Online condolences can be made at https://www.muellerfunerals.com/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karl LENZ
Sponsored by Mueller Funeral Home - Mason.
Debby and John Sampson
November 4, 2022
we think of Karl often and remember what a great friend he was to Lee. and his great sense of humor...he is in our thoughts and prayers as is his family..he is truly missed.
Deborah and John Sampson
November 4, 2021
we will always remember Karl ...We say a prayer for him every Friday night when we light our Sabbath candles.We ask God to watch over him and comfort his family.
Scott Donaldson
December 26, 2020
Peggy, BJ, and Peter, Beth and I are so saddened to hear about Karl. I often think of all of you and have so many great memories of Karl (mostly Canadian fishing trips of course). Karl, the bear cub chaser, the only one who would wake me at 3am to see northern lights, and the guy who found my wedding ring on the bottom of the Kayedon River hours after I had lost it... and had the nerve and humor to hand me a bottle cap first ("is this your ring?"). I miss him, and all of you, and lift you up in prayer. Your family holds a special place in my heart.
Donna and Oliver G.
December 8, 2020
Our deepest condolences to Peggy, BJ and the entire Lenz family. Karl was the best man at my first wedding and even lived with us for a short time. I always found Karl to be incredibly smart and fiercely loyal to those he loved. He was a genuine free spirit and found every opportunity to travel and experience the world....his was a life lived to its’ fullest. Our hearts go out to all those that loved Karl.
Chelsea Brayfield
November 25, 2020
Karl was the funniest person to ever sit at a bar stool. There was no better time to be had than during an Ohio game on Saturdays with him and seeing him and Chewey waving from the window during my shifts cheered me up. He was such a comfort. Even after he moved, he always cared enough to check in. He will be missed but warmly remembered by memories that make me crack a smile.
Sabrina
November 21, 2020
Karl,
Thank you for your uncanny wit and your unfailing heart.
Denise and Dennis Sawan
November 21, 2020
Dear Peggy and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We never met Karl but felt we knew him through your
stories and life updates. His obituary describes a unique personality and like my sons an Ottawa Hills graduate. We are thinking of you today and will follow the memorial service. Our heartfelt condolences, your friends Denise and Denny Sawan
John & Barbara Hoyt
November 20, 2020
Dear 1st Cousin, Peggy, sons BJ & Peter,
Barbara and I send our Deepest Sympathy for the Lenz Families during this difficult and grieving days, of learning that your youngest son & brother, Karl Hugh Lenz, past into heaven, from a fatal auto-accident near Anaconda, Montana. We send Prayers of Comfort & Warmth & Hugs from a distance. Although this Pandemic has placed even more grief upon families with special circumstances, such as this, know that God & his Son is being sent your way though our Heart & Soul with Prayers. From the other Guests we see that Karl was a man of Humor and made others laugh and Karl had a good Caring soul from his O.S.U. Degree of Sociology, towards others, as his last Occupation in the Montana Prison System lead him there, to help Others less Fortunate or in a difficult situations.
Although I, (Cuz'n John), didn't know Karl of which I would have been proud to know and spend some time learning more about Karl, and his intelligent career & funny side, that you all can carry with you in your Hearts & Minds when thinking of him and in his Memory Forever.
You are in our Thoughts & Prayers,
always, LOVE & BLESSINGS for you ALL,
John & Barbara Hoyt
Jay Asplan
November 20, 2020
Dear Lenz Family,
We are very sorry for your sudden loss, and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
"If my ship sails from sight,
It doesn't mean my journey ends,
It simply means the river bends."
- from a poem by Enoch Powell
Sincerely,
Jay Asplan and Danny Vail
November 19, 2020
A fond memory: the Lenz brothers visited San Diego, years ago, and stayed in our home for a few days. The preferred activity was croquet - game after game after game and well into the night - all night. When I met Karl as a child I knew he had a beautiful sensitive soul. There is nothing like the peace of nature. Karl, may this be with you always. Peggy, BJ, and Peter, our hearts are with you. Love, Uncle Bernie and Aunt Laura
Uncle Bernie Hoyt
November 19, 2020
Dear Karl and Family, Some people are born with flair and flame. Your candle Karl, was a torch at both ends for all to see and experience. I believe you can trace that up the chain of your mom and dad and your middle namesake Hugh H Hoyt. Please say Hi to Bill and Hugh for us, we miss their flames too. What has been so kindly and thoughtfully written on these pages are amazing testimonials to life and Karl. They will carry Peggy, BJ, and Peter and the rest of us to a wonderful place where we can forever smile and cry and appreciate being alive.
Chris Hardman
November 18, 2020
Peggy, BJ, Pete-Deepest sympathies to all of you. An incredible family who I enjoyed immensely. Karl was a unique individual with whom I always enjoyed our relationship!
Ryan Buckles
November 17, 2020
I only knew Karl for two weeks during the training course here at MSP. He was easily the funniest person in the room. His wit caught me off guard several times and I found myself laughing about something he said later that day. I even went home and told my wife a few jokes he told. He was a very memorable person, would've been a great asset to this institution, and I really looked forward to working with him. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Christopher Yarborough
November 16, 2020
I had known Karl from grade school through college. We spent a lot of time hanging out, playing games, and being die-hard Buckeye fans. He had an uncanny ability to create adventure and create fun out of the mundane. Those times will never be forgotten, and wish that we could have connected a bit since college.
Peggy, BJ, and Peter. I'm sorry for you loss.
Deepest Sympathies,
Christopher Yarborough
Chad Hicks
November 16, 2020
So many great memories with Karl at Hope Lutheran. Lenz Family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Jackie Martin
November 16, 2020
Dear Peggy, BJ, Pete and all of your family, our deepest sympathy on the passing of Karl.
We will always remember him as a kid who liked Ninja Turtles -
Our fond memories and prayers for comfort and strength at this time of loss,
Lovingly,
Jackie Martin and family
Scott, Sam, and Joe
Sheryl Carns
November 16, 2020
Dear Peter and family
My deepest sympathy in the passing of Karl. Praying for strength and peace during this difficult time.
Kurt Steinhurst
November 15, 2020
My condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Clay McKisson
November 13, 2020
Those wild Columbus years only got wilder when Karl joined BJ and Pete at OSU. I have many great memories of times had with the Lenz brothers. Some years later, Karl and I reconnected in Cincinnati when he was hosting his comedy tv show. He was always pushing the limits, and I still laugh remembering those skits and his sense of humor. My condolences to the Lenz family.
Halle Bruening
November 12, 2020
BJ, Pete and Peggy,
I am saddened by your terrible loss. Seems like such a short time ago that you boys were growing up and just boys being boys! You have my deepest sympathy and will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Halle Bruening
Alex Aragaki
November 12, 2020
Dear Peter,
My deepest condolences for your and your family.
Julia Wheeler
November 12, 2020
My heart is broken. He was my best friend and I loved him. We leaned on one another for support, we were there for each other. There are no words that could possibly encapsulate Karl. He was ahead of most brilliant minds. His ideas were extraordinary! And beautiful! He opened my mind to so many possibly about the universe and my own humanity. I couldn't possibly thank him enough for just being there and letting me be part of IT, the world surrounding Karl. He's like a beautiful, wonderful, scary storm...in and out of our lives that just leave you in wonder. I will never forget our time on this Earth together and will continue to be amazed at the world around me. Thank you Karl for being my friend. Not many are as blessed as me. I love you.
Peggy Jones
November 12, 2020
Peter & family, Words can't express how sorrowful I am to hear the news. If you need anything from us in the office, please let me know. Take time to be with the family. - Peggy Jones
Lisa Humberger
November 12, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Karl had a great sense of humor even in elementary school.
Jack and Cindy niggemyer
November 12, 2020
To the Lenz family,
Jack and I send our deepest condolences to you. Our remembrances of Karl and the entire Lenz family will always be part of our Ottawa Hills experience. We pray that you will find peace and comfort in Karl's memory.
Jack and Cindy Niggemyer
Johanna Ross
November 11, 2020
Dear Pete, BJ and Peggy,
I was so sorry to hear about Karl's passing. My heart goes out to your family, and I wish you peace during this difficult time.
Matt Arthur
November 11, 2020
I’m so sorry! I have nothing but great memories of time spent with Karl and his family as a youngster. RIP
John and Chris Clement
November 11, 2020
Peggy,
Our thoughts are with you and your family. We are so sad to hear this. Let us know if we can do anything to help you.
Paula Mehring
November 11, 2020
Dear Peggy, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. A terrible loss of such a fine young man. Reading about him and what he has been doing was very special. Karl, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dale Mehring
November 11, 2020
I am very saddened to read this news. I went to school with Karl K - 12th grade and we were in many of the same classes together. He was an awesome classmate, football teammate and friend. I honestly say school was a lot more fun with Karl. He was hilarious and could make you laugh so hard it’d hurt. He really had a great mind for music and liked all the good old stuff, a very eclectic taste in music I must say. Man did he love Cream. Karl and l lost touch after high school but he had such a strong presence in my school days he’s often brought up when reminiscing about our school days at Ottawa Hills, and that will continue. My condolences go out to the Lenz Family. God Bless Karl & I’m so sorry for your loss.
November 11, 2020
To the Lenz family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Lisa Ovenden
November 11, 2020
Peggy and family we are so very sorry to hear of Karl's passing. He was a great kid with such a giving heart for people and nature. He will be missed by many of the OHHS class if 97. Our prayers are with you. Jeff and Lisa Ovenden
Courtney Hardman Brown
November 11, 2020
Karl was such a joy to be around and I will always remember how he made so many of us laugh throughout all the years at OHHS. My deepest condolences to your family.
Ryan Oberly
November 11, 2020
So many great memories growing up with Karl, at camp pioneer, PIB, Hocking Hills, and in the Lens home with Rob and Lee as well. His sense of humor was wonderful. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fraser Phibbs
November 11, 2020
I’m so sorry for your loss. Karl was a great friend of mine. I’m so sorry once again.
Randy Cook
November 11, 2020
To the Lenz family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Karl and I had a lot of fun times back in Toledo and at OSU.
Robert Bowen
November 11, 2020
One of my best of friends growing up since kindergaten, achieving Eagle Scout with him, etc. So many good memories, too many to count. He will be missed....
Debby Sampson
November 11, 2020
Karl and my son Lee were inseparable buddies in elementary school,high school and time at OSU..we knew and loved Karl for his sense of humor and positive personality...we mourn his passing ..we pray that peace and strength will help his mom Peggy and family get through this most difficult time.Our deeepest sympathies.to you.
Mark Hoyt
November 11, 2020
I will always have fond memories of Karl and his infectious sense of humor. Highlights for me are playing cribbage with him in Toledo, tubing at the Hoyt/Lenz family reunions in Charlevoix and when he visited me in Chicago and we shared a deep dish pie. I will miss you Karl but I am glad for the times that we had together.
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