John McKelvy Lentz

John McKelvy Lentz, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, John was proud to live and grow up in the Pittsburgh area. He loved hoagies and cheering for the Steelers. He was a graduate of the University of Dayton and earned his MBA from Northwestern University. John was proud to be an Eagle Scout and went on to serve in the United States Army and Army Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He later retired from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

John lived in Geneva, Illinois for 44 years. He loved Swedish Days, garlic crab pasta from Ristorante Chianti, and Portillo’s. His hobbies included coaching, watching, and refereeing soccer — even when he could no longer run — and he was instrumental in bringing girls’ soccer to local high schools. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, spending time outdoors doing yard work, and taking his grand-dog Will-E (“Binkies”) on many walks.

John loved reading his Bible and ushering at church. He was a devoted Christian; prayer, faith, and forgiveness were central to his life.

He traveled throughout Europe while stationed there with the Army, vacationed with family in the Bahamas and Mexico, attended the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta for soccer, and went on a mission trip to Romania to provide shoes for orphans.

John also loved Christmas — its meaning, decorating for it, collecting Rudolph ornaments, listening to Christmas music, and spending time with family in his duck slippers. Other favorites included beach vacations, amusement park rides and water slides, his morning oatmeal, poached eggs, burnt toast, crab cakes, key lime pie, amaretto mousse, and anything crunchy.

He especially enjoyed the ocean and spending time in Florida, particularly on Lido Key, Siesta Key, and Turtle Beach — walking, collecting shells, and working on his tan. His bad knees and Parkinson’s earned him the nickname “Shuffle Shark.”

John loved spending time with his grandchildren — especially Gavin, who finally saved him from all the girls. He read to them, played sports with them, fed them ice cream, and riled them up whenever he could.

Quiet with a great sense of humor, John was always a good sport for the adventures and silliness his daughters and family shared with him. He tolerated loud cheering and competitive game nights and perfected the Irish Goodbye.

The family thanks the staff at Shorehaven, where John spent time in assisted living. They also extend heartfelt gratitude to Dimensions Living and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care provided to John and his family, especially at the end.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Bob, and many beloved pets.

He is survived by his wife of more than fifty years, Gayle; his daughters and their families: Kerrie Lentz; Katie and Kyle Jay; and Jackie Lentz-Boyd and Brady Boyd. His grandchildren, who loved him so much, are Kasia, Gavin (Kerrie), Knox, Kostner, Kennedy, and Krosby (Katie), and Bella, Aly, Alex, Finn, and McKelvy (Jackie). He is also survived by his sister, Gayle Bina (Dr. Bill), cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s honor may be made to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association or Anderson Humane in Illinois. Support for local girls’ and women’s soccer teams is also encouraged.

He always said, “You can sleep when you’re dead.” Rest in peace — we love and miss you so much.

A private celebration of life will be held in Florida at a later date.