Obituaries/Viewings
Leo J. Lenze | 86
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Leo John Lenze, of Titusville, Florida and formerly of Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, passed on Easter Morning (April 9, 2023). The son of Leo Andrew Lenze and Beulah Evelyn Lenze, Leo was born on October 19, 1936; he was 86. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, M. Ellen Lenze; their six married children Andrew & Sharon Lenze, Elizabeth & Edwin Seiler, David & Lisa Lenze, James & Sylvia Lenze, Donald & Janet Lenze, and Leo & Leann Lenze; 23 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
Leo graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and earned a graduate degree from the Pennsylvania State University. After graduating from IUP, he taught school for two years in Ulysses, Pennsylvania before returning to Saint Marys to teach in the public high school for the remainder of his teaching career. At various times during his 36 years of teaching, he also taught night classes at the DuBois Business College, tutored children unable to attend school in residence, coached basketball, taught swimming, and co-managed the Memorial (Community) Pool. Leo and Ellen also owned and operated Johnson’s Grocery Store for many years until they sold it in 1989. Upon Leo’s retirement from Saint Marys Area High School in 1993, he served two terms as Elk County Auditor and spent time exploring the country with Ellen in their RV.
In his later years, Leo and Ellen sold their RV and purchased a modest retirement home in the Willow Lakes Resort outside of Titusville, Florida. They followed the seasons moving back and forth between Florida and Pennsylvania until 2020, when they sold their home in Saint Marys and became full-time Florida residents.
Leo will be laid to rest in the Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Sacred Heart Church, with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, Pastor, celebrating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be added to a Penn State Scholarship fund that was created in honor of Leo and Ellen’s commitment to education at: raise.psu.edu/FREEDOMscholarship. Alternatively, checks payable to “Penn State” with “SXQFY-Lenze FREEDOM scholarship” on the memo line may be mailed to: Attn: DONOR AND MEMBER SERVICES, Penn State University, 2583 Gateway Drive, Bristol Place One, Suite 130, State College, PA 16801.
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It’s our distinct pleasure to have known Leo and his family. Our deepest sympathy to all. Leo was a great and well loved person. As they say, “The true height of the tallest tree can only be measured when it’s lying down.”
Fondest memories
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. It was a pleasure to serve and honor this man in his final journey.
Ellen and family,
Wish I could give you a hug tomorrow night but have appointment in Pittsburgh. My sincere condolences. Many good stories from my Mom about her years teaching with Leo. What a good guy. Hope your many wonderful memories and time with your large family will help in the days ahead. Would have sent a card but don’t have your address. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Susie Gregory McDonough
So sad to hear of Mr.
Lenze’s passing. He was one of the best teachers. They just don’t make them like him anymore. Gave his family a rescue puppy back in the 70s and the stories he told me. Never forget…stay strong and God Bless…..Denise Shaffer Sarnoski
Dear Ellen
Although I have only known you a short while, you made clear very quickly how dear and special Leo was to you, your family and the broader community. What a long and fulfilled life he had! My sincerest condolences to you and your extended family on Leo’s passing. Best regards, Jane
We will miss this guy. So funny and the best friend anyone could want. We will surely miss him. To Ellen and family- keep all the memories close to your heart. We will never forget him.
Leo was a special friend to not only Bobi and I but, to a lot of the other Willow Lakes residents. He definitely will be missed by us all. May you RIP my big buddy! God definitely picked a good person in Leo Lenze.
Our prayers go out to the whole big Lenze family!
We knew Leo as a kind and pleasant man. Enjoyed seeing him at “Attitude Adjustment Meetings ” Willow Lakes.
Our condolences to Ellen and family.
Ed and Donna
Condolences to the Lenze Family.
My sincere condolences to Leo’s family. He was a wonderful and kind man as well as one of the best teachers! I not only learned accounting but also about the challenges life can have. Awesome business man who made the best pizzas ever. Fly high
My condolences to you and your family. He was the best teacher, I had so much respect for him during my school years, he was funny but stern when needed. Prayers for you and Leo.
Dear Ellen,
Please accept our deepest heartfelt condolences regarding Leo’s passing. He was an amazing multitalented man. He touched many, many lives. I’m sure he’ll be missed as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. May your grief be short-lived and the celebration of his life be eternal. Celebrate his passing knowing he’s about to accept his next assignment.
Randall & Barbara Kurtz
My prayers and condolences to you and your family. God gained another beautiful flower for his garden.
Rock, Ellen, and family. I’m very sorry of the loss of your Dad and Grandpa.
Keep your memories close to you at this time, and let them help to carry you through your grief.
As always, prayers and all good vibes coming your way! ❤