Ralph H. Lenzmeier

U.S. Army Retired Master Sergeant Ralph H. Lenzmeier, 96, of Payson, AZ passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.
Ralph Henry Lenzmeier, son of John and Marie Lenzmeier, was born on September 10, 1929 in Kranzberg, SD. He was one of 18 children born to John and Marie, and he spent a majority of his childhood in the Wahpeton, ND area.
Ralph married the love of his life, Renee J. Blow, on January 11, 1948. Together, they had eight wonderful children and lived all over the country during Ralph's 25 years of U.S. Army service. Over those 25 years, Ralph and Renee raised their children in North Dakota, Alabama, Colorado, Alaska, and Washington. During Ralph's 25 years of brave and honorable service to the U.S. Army and our country, he courageously fought as an Infantry Sergeant First Class during the Vietnam Conflict. Ralph retired as a Master Sergeant. Three of his sons also served our country which is a reflection of the importance Ralph placed on military service and family.
Once Ralph retired from the military, he worked for the ND Job Service, and then relocated to the AZ Job Service to enjoy a warmer climate. Ralph spent the next several years in service to others. He volunteered for several youth organizations coaching and officiating. Ralph played softball for many years and continued to play into his sixties. He and Renee were avid bowlers. Ralph and Renee were devout Catholics who loved and served the Lord, as did their family. He was a devoted husband and father, always putting his family first. They were married for 57 years before Renee passed in 2005.
Ralph led a full and exciting life. His sense of humor kept everyone on their toes. His quick-witted comments kept his family and friends entertained. The only man with more stories than Ralph was Forest Gump. Many members of the family are known by others only by Ralph's personal nicknames for them; nicknames that were often stories of their own. Besides surviving a violent war in Vietnam, Ralph survived an earthquake at the 1989 World Series game in San Francisco. Ralph was a legend.
In addition to his love of God and family – and his fondness for old Western movies and country music -- Ralph was a loyal and devoted fan of his "beloved" Dodgers and Packers. You could find him every game day in his recliner enjoying his favorite pastime. Countless hours were spent with his family either cheering or grumbling about his sports teams.
Ralph is survived by 3 siblings: Nita Steen, Wahpeton, ND; Bob (Connie), Medina, MN; Ellyn Thompson, Rogers, AR and his 8 children: Timothy (Ginger) of Cormorant, MN; Linda (Harry Bosch) of Pelican Rapids, MN; Randee (Robert Kragerud) of Payson, AZ; Jason (Linda) of El Dorado Hills, CA; Steven (Debra) of Mesa AZ and Detroit Lakes, MN; Jeffery (Jacqueline) of Mesa, AZ; Larry of Shady Cove, OR; and Jon of Payson, AZ. In addition, Ralph's legacy includes 26 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.
A rosary will be said in honor of Ralph at 5 PM Monday, November 17, 2025, at Messinger Mortuaries in Payson, AZ, followed by visitation and viewing from 6–7PM and a prayer service beginning at 7PM.
Ralph's funeral mass will be offered at St Philips Catholic Church in Payson on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, beginning at 10:30 AM. Burial services will be held at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Scottsdale, AZ, at 11AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025.