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Arthur E. Lenzen Obituary – 9/24/2015


Arthur E. “Art” Lenzen, age 95, of Waconia, passed away Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, at the Lighthouse in Waconia.

He was born March 25, 1920, in Carver, the son of Henry and Margaret (Preiss) Lenzen.

Art was united in marriage to Alice M. Haase Nov. 1, 1941, in Crystal. He was a loving and faithful husband to Alice for over 72 years, often stating “it would have been longer if he had met her sooner.”

Alice was the “light of his life: to the very end; and recently, family members would catch his eyes fixed on her picture as if to say, “Stay right there because I am coming!”

Art and Alice raised five children, and influenced the lives of 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. They were a great example, and set high standards and a good work ethic for them all.

Art was a hardworking and clever man, with many God-given abilities. He was always willing to share what he knew and what he had with others, remembering to begin at home.

The partnership he created with Alice throughout the years never went unnoticed. They worked hand-in-hand, side-by-side, making every day count.

Art could fix anything; sometimes fixing it so well, he never had to fix it again. He was proud of his resourcefulness, and ultimately could make almost anything work . . . at least for a while. It was obvious to those who knew him that he was a man of principle and could be depended upon to do a job, and to do it well.

Sunday afternoons you might find him doing a waltz or a polka in the kitchen with Alice, or working on the never-ending book work his business required.

Art never thought of himself as old; as the neighbors could all confirm. At the age of 90, he was up on his roof helping his grandsons re-roof the house, making sure that it was getting done “just right!”

He supported Alice for many years as she volunteered in the community of Waconia; especially at the hospital and The Once Again Shoppe.

Art was always looking forward to coffee time and lunch break. He had his favorites; to him “apple pie without cheese was like a hug without a squeeze!” He loved any kind of nuts, often saying, “I never met a nut I didn’t like!” He was easy to please, which made pleasing him fun.

Art will be missed, but his prayers were answered; a quick good-bye, and no suffering. He will remain in the hearts of all who loved him all forever.

Art was preceded in death by his wife, Alice; father and mother, Henry and Margaret Lenzen; granddaughter Angela Tesch; son-in-law Gary Wurdell; and sisters Margaret Scott and Audrey Scheuble.

He is survived by his loving family: children and their spouses; Sue and Curtis Hart of New Germany, Shirley Wurdell of Hutchinson, Lonnie and Lanny Lenzen of Red Oak, TX, Sandy Lenzen of Colorado Springs, CO, and Lori and Guyle Corley of Canyon, TX; grandchildren Jeff (Terri) Hart, Joel (Lona) Hart, Julie (Aloun) Phoulavan, Jessica (Steve) Nelson, Joy (Brian) Neff, Greg (Jill) Wurdell, Grant (Jenn) Wurdell, Gus (Beth) Wurdell, Jon (Sylvie) Lenzen, Niki (Chad) George, Danielle (Merideth) Cullen, Andrew Tesch, Aidan Corley, McKenna Corley; 25 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Art is further survived by sisters and brothers, Dorothy Scherer of North Carolina, Henry Lenzen of Watertown, Elaine Grapentine, and Dick (Jeanette) Lenzen, all of Carver; sister-in-law Bernice Haase of Bloomington; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services took place Monday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia with the Rev. Robert Alsleben officiating; followed by interment in the church cemetery.

There was visitation Sunday, Sept. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; and Monday, one hour prior to the service at the church.

Art’s grandsons were his casket bearers: Jeff Hart, Joel Hart, Greg Wurdell, Grant Wurdell, Gus Wurdell, Jon Lenzen, Andrew Tesch, and Aidan Corley.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; www.johnsonfh.com.

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