Arthur Lee Lenzini

KIRKWOOD, Mo. - Arthur Lee Lenzini (Doc), 97 of Kirkwood, Missouri, formerly of Zeigler, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at St. Agnes Home in Kirkwood.

Art was born on June 16, 1927, in Denver, Colorado, to Joseph and Josephine Lenzini. He was raised in Zeigler, along with his two brothers, Donald and Robert, and sister, Joann. Art attended Centralia Junior College in 1947 and Southern Illinois University in 1948 before being accepted to St. Louis University where he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1952.

On June 21, 1948, Art married his high school sweetheart, Clementine Marco. Art and Clem moved to Herrin, Illinois, after his graduation from dental school where he set up his practice. They raised their 5 children in Herrin and were proud to call Herrin home. Art would go on to have successful dental practice for 40 years before retiring in 1992. Art and Clem celebrated 47 years of marriage before Clementine's passing on March 4, 1996.

Art and Clem were always active members of the Herrin community, and they were the first to step up and help in any way they could. Art continued his volunteerism until the progression of his Parkinson's disease made it difficult for him to get around by himself. He had numerous lifelong friends who would then step in and help him get to church, the Elks, and anywhere else he wanted to go. Doc was always humble and appreciated the support and love of the Herrin community.

Art was involved in many organizations. He was a member of the advisory board for the Dental Hygiene School at SIU; member of the dental staff section at Herrin Hospital; president of the 24th Congressional District Conservative Caucus; member of the Belleville Catholic Diocesan Resource Board; and a board member of the St. Mary's Catholic School. Doc also volunteered for the Diocese by going to Guatemala for two years helping people there with dental work. He was also president of the Dental Society (1962-1963), councilman of the Illinois Dental Society (1968-1971); along with being a member of the American Dental Association (council on national boards), Herrin Chamber of Commerce (director), International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Little Egypt Dental Research Group. Art also served in the United States Army from 1945-1946. He was first listed in Who's Who in America in 1983. Local clubs included the Herrin Lions (past president, secretary, and director), Elks, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also the Treasurer for RABCO Inc and president of Southern Illinois Inc. Art was a major contributor to the HerrinFesta and proudly served as grand marshal.

Art is survived by his five children, Marc Lenzini (Becky), Paul Lenzini (Kathy), John Lenzini (Barbara), Matthew Lenzini (Judy), Jane Diehl (Richard); 12 grandchildren, Sarah (Justin) Gremillion, Anne (Brian Sloan) Lenzini, Paula Conrad, Philip (Karen) Lenzini, Peter Lenzini, Mary (George) Felix, Theresa (John) Popelar, Meredith (Evan) Evans, Ben Lenzini (Karina Brooke), Rich Diehl (Lindsay Lohmann), Melissa Diehl (Ben Whitehead), Stephanie Diehl (Justin Swope); 15 great-grandchildren, Marco and Mack Gremillion, Emory and Marcella Sloan, Iris and Bertrand Lenzini, Abraham and Joseph Lenzini, Eleanor and Wilson Felix, Evelyn and Jack Popelar, Stella Diehl, Olivia and Theo Evans. Art would often say his family was his biggest accomplishment. He was so proud of his children and was supportive of all their activities. His legacy lives on in all of them; along with their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Art also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Art is predeceased by his mother and father; wife, Clementine; son, Paul; brothers, Donald and Robert, and sister, Joann Readhead.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, ib=n St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in West Frankfort, with Eusebius Mbidoaka officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Royalton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, at Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home in Zeigler, with a 7 p.m. rosary service.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Agnes Home for their loving care of dad over the past five years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Agnes Home, 10341 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122.

Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home in Zeigler is entrusted with the arrangements.