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Joseph Lentz Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Lentz
Gina Griffith
January 10, 2010
Dr. Lentz was one of a kind. Our whole family adored him and his retirement was devastating to our then 12 year old. His intelligence, kindness, and hilariously dry wit will never be duplicated. On one visit, when our oldest was around 13, Dr. Joe asked him if he had ever stomped off to his room, or ever slammed his bedroom door. When our son sheepishly agreed that, yes, he might have done that, Dr. Joe peered at him over the top of his glasses, smiled, and responded, "Good. You're normal."
He continued to see our older boys all the way through college because that's the kind of caring person he was. He leaves behind a legacy of hundreds of families whose lives were the better for having had the benefit of his wisdom and knowledge. Dr. Joe Lentz was truly a Nashville institution, and he will be greatly missed.
zachary broadwater
January 8, 2010
Dr.Lentz was my doctor for as long as i could remember. He made going to the doctor fun. As I grew older i came to appreciate him more. One time i went and he told my mother that i had "getoutofschoolidise" meaning that i was playing hookie. Dr lents will never be forgotten
in loving memory,Zachary Broadwater
Bonnie Barker
January 7, 2010
Dr. Joe Lentz was to me, a Godsend. I loved his dry humor, his quiet nature, and his belief in my good sense as a mother, even when I didn't trust myself. He was so good with my boys that every time we drove down Cleghorne past his first Green Hills office, they would cry because they were not going to get to see "Dokker Yentz." They loved him because they trusted him to make them feel better. What they must have also known was that I trusted him with my most precious possessions, my sons. He saved Ben's leg from Osteomelitis by his quick action and correct diagnosis even before the tests were completed. I know he will be missed by all those people who loved and trusted him. Thank you, Dr. Lentz for caring for all of Nashville's children...your patients and the less fortunate children of Nashville.
In loving memory, Bonnie Adams Barker
Lois Shelton
January 7, 2010
Dr. Lentz was very special to our family. We relied on his medical advise for many years. He was the pediatrician for all three of our girls and our grandson until he retired. His caring spirit was evident. He knew that our oldest daughter had MS and when I would take my grandson for a check up, he would always ask "How is mother?". He was such a fine person and I know he will be sorely missed. We are praying for his family.
Sandra Carlton
January 6, 2010
The first thing that impressed me when taking my young son for his first visit was that, upon entering the exam room, Dr. Lentz made eye contact with my son, walked toward him, and extended his hand for a shake as he introduced himself -- totally ignoring ole mom sitting in the corner! I loved the fact that he listened to and talked *with* his patients, not just about them with their parents.
Adam was graduated from law school in May, for which Joe Lentz deserves some credit as he helped persuade Adam to agree with me on the high school he would attend -- even though he wasn't fully convinced of it at the time.
Joe Lentz leaves behind a legion of former patients who are better people because of his influence.
Trisha and Randie Arnold
January 6, 2010
My husband and I considered Dr. Lentz our partner in parenting from our first prenatal visit 30 years ago to our last visit with 20-year old college student with an ear infection - really just an excuse to see him. He led us through some tough times with his calm and assuring manner through many a late night phone call and his compassion during the deaths of both of our parents. He will be in our hearts - broken though they may be - forever.
Martha S. Munson
January 5, 2010
Joe Lentz was always a man who held your respect, your confidence and your trust. His sense of humor was part of the medicine that he provided. Joe got me off on the right foot with my first son. I express my heartfelt sympathy to each one of his family members.
Martha Simmons Munson, Alpharetta, Georgia
jamie burroughs
January 4, 2010
Dr. Lentz was awesome! My three children loved and adored him as did I. I cried on my last visit knowing he was retiring. I am sad for his family. He loved you all and talked about you frequently during our many visits over the years. You are all in my prayers. We lost a good man.
Ellen Duncan
December 23, 2009
Betty,
What a wonderful man he was! Wise and kind and certainly an advocate for all children. When we adopted Edward from Russia at age 14, Joe was the one at Green Hills who was willing to take him on. He treated Edward with kindness and respect. And Edward admired and respected him because he was so straight forward. Edward was very sad to hear of his passing. And I will never forget the lessons of parenting I learned from him through the years. What a great privilege to have known him. Love to you and your family, Betty, during this very sad time.
Martha Baldwin
December 21, 2009
Dr. Lentz was the pediatrician for all of my three children.(now ages 32, 20, and 18.) He was such a kind, gentle man who honestly listened and genuinely cared about each child. His gentle, laid-back approach always had a calming effect on both child and parent! He also was not afraid to tell you the truth about something he felt needed to be said! He made this world a better place for so many and set an example that was admired and respected. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.
Hugh Frazer
December 19, 2009
Beeper, Bowie's brother ,Ray Swetenburg, a pediatrician from Charlotte called us tonight re Joe's death, and we are truly sorry for your loss. Bowie sends you her love. Hugh
Christine Ricafort Bertani
December 19, 2009
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Lentz's death. He was my pediatrician many years ago. I can still picture him sitting in the chair with his white lab coat on and his legs crossed, writing in my file as he asked me questions... and the occasional glance over the rims of his glasses. He was a terrific doctor and I only wish that my children could have had him as their doctor too. My condolences to the family.
Phillips Turner, Jr.
December 18, 2009
I have had the privilege of being the Lentz family's neighbor on Nichol Lane for nearly 35 years. Visits with Joe at our mailboxes, catching up during projects in our yards, discussions regarding child-rearing, etc. are all treasured memories. After their obstetrician and me, Joe was the third man seen on this earth by my two daughters. Joe was both smart and wise. His laid-back manner, dry sense of humor, and calming spirit are already missed. My heart pours out to Betty, his terrific partner for nearly 50 years, and their four accomplished sons and their families. We have lost a gem, but Joe lives on through the lessons we have learned from him. Joe helped a lot of people grow up, including me. Saddened, Phillips Turner, Jr.
Janie clark
December 18, 2009
Jody, Lynn, and the Lentz family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a great man.
Gil Fuld
December 18, 2009
Joe and I were residents together at Babies' Hospital and then went our separate ways. I was delighted to run into him on numerous occasions many years later when we both were active in the AAP. I'm saddened to learn of his death.
Barbara Sprouse
December 18, 2009
It was Dr. Lentz who diagnosed type I diabetes for our 7 yr.old son in a warm and gentle manner -took him in his office to talk with him, that was in 1975. That little boy is now 41 yrs. old and teaching & directing a debate program. We appreciated his warm caring for our baby girl in 1970 who continued in his care until college days in 1989. Our deepest sympathy to all his family.
Bob, Barbara, Warren & Sally Sprouse
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Susan Waters
December 18, 2009
Dr Lentz was my pediatrician growing up, and then the pediatrician for my children, Emily, Lauren, and Adam, up until he retired. I loved him as a child, and then loved and appreciated him even more as a parent. There will never be another quite like him. He was an amazing person that we were blessed to know. My condolences to his family.
Kristina Eckerle
December 18, 2009
My oldest daughter began seeing Dr. Lentz in 1989 and continued there for 19 years, adding 3 more children along the way. He was a wonderful doctor and just as sweet as he could be to myself and the kids. They adored him! We will miss him terribly and will always remember his kind, gentle spirit, and often "cold hands" as the kids said. Dr. Lentz and Sandra Young made an awesome team together! Please accept our deepest sympathy. Love, the Eckerle's (Chris, Kristina, Alexa, Courtney, Noah and Luke)
Carolyn Lowen
December 17, 2009
We miss his gentle,caring ways with the kids.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Kelly, Amy, Keith and Carolyn Lowen
December 17, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Lentz's death. He was such a rock to me and my daughters Jodi Kraft Hill and Stacy Kraft during some very difficult times in our lives. We all loved him for the concern he had for our family. My daughter Jodi was thrilled when she had her first child three months before he retired and he told her he would love to start her out for those three months...from generation to generation he was deeply loved and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and having him in their lives.
Terry Kornman (Nashville)
Sandra Campbell
December 17, 2009
Dr. Lentz was one of my favorite people...my son (Jamel) and I spent many years in his office. My son was 2 years old when we met Dr. Lentz he is now almost 21. Jamel remained his patient until his retirement. His bed side manner was one of grace and admiration. What I remember most is how he stayed on me year after year about Jamel taking swinging lessons. He was concerned that Jamel would grow up and not know how to swim, by the time Jamel was 7 he could drive off the 18 foot board, because of his encouragement and persistence today Jamel is a great swimmer. Thank you for sharing him with people like me.
Karen Summar
December 17, 2009
Dear, dear Joe,
As I read these condolences, I am moved to tears thinking about all of the children for whom you advocated. There were those who you cared for directly and those who were cared for by others that you mentored so well.
I love you and will miss you.
Karen Summar, MD
Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Norm & Cynthia McNair
December 17, 2009
We fondly remember the day Joe and Betty were married. The reception was at Betty's home and we were moving into our new house next door. For many years we laughed about the confusion we caused. What a wonderful family.
Sara Hamill
December 17, 2009
Dr. Lentz was not only my doctor growing up, but also became my children's pediatrician up until his retirement a few years ago. His sage advice carried us through some very difficult years of parenting, and I cannot imagine how we could have done it without him. He was an amazing person. He will be dearly missed, but his work lives on in all the families he helped through the years, including my own. My condolences to his whole family.
Donna and John VanHooydonk
December 17, 2009
We want to express our appreciation for Joe's dedication to the health and well being of our children throughout their years of being cared for by his wonderful pediatric practice.
December 17, 2009
I was so very sad to hear of Dr. Lentz's death. I loved him dearly and felt like I was seeing my Dad when he walked in to the room when I would take my children in for an appointment. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to you all.
Nadina, Haley and Brendon Wooding
Alicia Lange
December 17, 2009
Dr. Lentz... You will forever be loved & missed. May God bless your wife, family, sweet nurse, Sandra, and the staff @ GHPeds. I have so many wonderful "doctor visit" memories!!! - Alicia, David, Jared & Addie
Edith Johnston
December 17, 2009
I remember when Betty and Joe fell in love. It is great to know they stayed in love and shared their lives for so many years with sons, daughters-in-law, grandsons, extended family, patients and their parents, colleagues,
and friends. I have been blessed to be one of those friends. Happy memories.
Sammie A. Smith
December 17, 2009
So sorry to hear about Joe's passing. I was a member of the HIllsboro class of '55. May the "God of all comfort" be with you at this time. IICor.3-4
December 17, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing . He was so helpful to me when he was my children's pediatrician, and I enjoyed getting reacquainted with both of you when I taught Jody at Oak Hill. Please accept these condolences for your entire family. God Bless !!
Mary Ann (Bethshares) Currey
Anne Clayton
December 17, 2009
I am so sorry to hear that Dr. Joe is gone! He was such a wonderful man and a great Dr..my chikldren, Grace Clayton and Houston Howell were crazy about him! He was our street neighbor on Nichol lane..everyone loved him..my condolences to the entire family!
Anne Clayton
Lindy Murff
December 17, 2009
One of my fondest memories is the time I brought Emma into the office....summertime visit...and she was covered in bug bites. You took one look at her legs and said, "now this is a healthy child". As they grew older, the first questions asked were "What are you reading?" and "What are your chores?"...they reminded me of this. Thank you Dr. Poppy.We will miss you! Lindy, Emma and Mason
Beth Winstead
December 17, 2009
Dr. Lentz was such a caring doctor to my two daughters. I loved his laid back style and the way he saundered in to the examination room. And of course we would talk politics! I will miss him greatly. My sincere condolences to his wife and family and to his wonderful nurse, Sandra. May God Bless you all through this loss.
James W. Drane
December 17, 2009
I was a classmate of Joe's at Hillsboro.
Sorry to hear of his passing. My the Lord bless and keep his family in this time of sadness.
James William Drane Jr Maumelle,Ar
Pat Morgan Reid
December 17, 2009
I was so sorry to learn of Joe's passing. I was a Hillsboro high school classmate and will always remember Joe. He was such a fine person and I know that he was a caring doctor,husband and father.
God Bless
Christi Spain
December 17, 2009
To the Lentz Family, Dr. Lentz was my family's beloved pediatrician. He gave me support, guidance, and lots of confidence in raising my four children. What I will always remember is his sense of humor and low key, laid back personality. I am so thankful he was our family's pediatrician. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 17, 2009
I loved Joe... and Jack loved Joe.. We'll miss the ol' wonderful curmudgeon!
Charlotte & Jack Farrar
vickie krick
December 17, 2009
we loved Joe. We will miss him so much. He made each day brighter when he came to rehab and exercised...We talked about many things and his opinion always was welcomed...Our prayers are with you.........St Thomas Rehab staff
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