Kenneth, son of Kenneth Abram and Betty Ann Russell Lentz, was born on Sunday, July 6, 1952, in Cairo, Illinois. He graduated in 1970 from Meridian District 101 in Mounds, Il and attended Southeast Missouri State University.

Ken was a dedicated teacher and school administrator. He held a specialist degree in education and enjoyed teaching sixth grade. He was principal for the elementary/middle school in Malden. After retirement he greatly enjoyed being a Malden school board member for 21 years and serving as president for many years. Ken also served on the Dunklin County Library Board and helped to obtain new libraries for the area as well as updates for existing libraries. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church until it's closing, and was a current member of Campus Lutheran Church in Columbia.

In retirement, he enjoyed reading, researching family genealogy, researching history and playing cards with his granddaughters

On June 3, 1972, in Dexter, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Mary Jean Riley. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2016.

Ken's greatest joy was spending time with his family. He is survived by son, Jeffrey Scott Lentz and daughter-in-law, Laura, of Columbia; beloved granddaughters, Lillyann and Roselynn both of Columbia; sister, Karen Anderson, and brother-in-law, Mark, of Oran; brother, Keith Lentz of Anna; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his wife, Mary Jean Lentz, he was preceded in death by his parents and son, Bryan Andrew Lentz.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 7, at the Landess Funeral Home in Malden. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8, in the Landess Funeral Home Chapel in Malden, with the Rev. Justin Sponaugle officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Malden, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dunklin County Library, Attn: JoNell, 209 N. Main St., Kennett, MO 63857.

Landess Funeral Home and Crematory of Malden is in charge of the arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Southern Illinoisan on Jun. 4, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Lentz

Sponsored by Landess Funeral Home - Malden.

6 Entries

Stacy Sills

June 5, 2024

He was a very special man and teacher. I was a student of his in 6th grade and in High School. He always had time for his students and through his teachings, I became a better person. You will be missed Mr Lentz, but now you are home with your love, Mary.

Martin and Georgia White

June 5, 2024

We send our deepest sympathy to Jeffrey, Laura, Ken's sweet granddaughters, sister, and all other family members in the loss of Ken.
He friend and fellow teacher, Ken Lentz. He was one of a kind--thoughtful, caring, helpful, and he loved telling a good story. He will truly be missed, but I can imagine him right now, strolling the streets of Heaven with Mary Jeanne showing him around!

June 3, 2024

Out of all the teachers throughout my school years, Mr. Lentz has always been the one I remembered.

Bobby Clubbs

June 3, 2024

Sending love and light to the family. Mr. Lentz was a high school teacher of mine. I appreciated his no-nonsense approach and his steady demeanor. I remember him fondly with his wry sense of humor. Blessing to all that treasure his memory.

June 3, 2024

I wish I could put into words what Mr. Lentz meant to me and probably thousands of other people. I was his student in 6th grade and then again in HS. I would walk past the middle school on my way home from jr. High. I would stop there often to play backgammon with him while he waited on school busses. He truly cared about his students and their education. Always quick with a joke or just some good advice. The world has definitely lost a great man, but I can assure you that it is a much better place for having him in it.

Melissa Hillis (Schmidt)

June 1, 2024

Mr. Lentz was my 6th grade teacher at Beckwith school. He was a wonderful and caring teacher and went the extra mile to do special projects with his students. I have good memories from that year and will always remember him. Mr. Lentz you are home now. For his family, I am so sorry for your loss and praying for God’s peace and comfort. We will see him again one day.

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