In Memory of Robert "Bob" Louis Lenz

Robert “Bob” Louis Lenz, age 79, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021, at his residence of Odebolt, Iowa.

A Private Family Memorial Mass was held with Father Joseph A. Dillinger and Msgr. Kenneth Seifried officiating. Committal Services followed in the St. Martin’s Catholic Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa, was in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Born to John Lewis Lenz & Maxine Rukes, Robert “Bob” Lenz was raised in Early, IA, where he attended school through his high school graduation. Following his schooling, he served in The United States Army from 1960 to 1963 where he was stationed in Germany and worked in military finance. Robert married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, his “M,” Marilyn Rae Snyder, and they were happily married for 57 years.  

Bob’s devotion to his family was unwavering. His first love was his grandchildren, and he shared his passion for golf with them. While he was still healthy, he also loved to travel to see his great grandchildren whom he cherished and adored. He received tremendous joy from the love they returned, and his legacy will live on through them.  

There truly was not a day in Bob’s life that was not lived to the fullest. He worked hard and played hard, often spending time on the golf course, snowmobiling, or boating with his family. He was wise and direct, known for giving his family members concise, logical advice laced with love and humor. He lived a life of integrity, and was filled with a charismatic personality to which so many were drawn.  

Bob’s professional career began at Payless Cashway in Denver, CO, Albuquerque, NM and Phoenix, AZ, before moving to Iowa to work for VT Industries where he served for 25 years, finishing his career as Vice President of the company. He retired from VT in 1992 and moved to Lake of the Ozarks, MO, to golf and enjoy the lake. In 2000, Bob & Marilyn returned to Iowa to care for his in-laws Ambrose and Alice Snyder, who loved him dearly. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marilyn Lenz of Odebolt, IA; three children: Steven Lenz of Lisle, IL, Mark Lenz of Belton, MO and Traci (Adam) Beech of Orange Beach, AL; grandchildren: Kalsey (Jack) McCall of Bethany, MO, Anthony Lenz of Ft. Collins, CO,  Matt (Anna) Higley of Bethany, MO, Zachary (Amy) Kadolph of Kansas City, MO and Logan (Jenna) Kadolph of Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren: Joel McCall, Nora McCall, Harrison Higley, Thatcher Higley, Hudson Kadolph, and Grayson Kadolph; and his two brothers: Steven Lenz and Mike Lenz.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sharon Wunschel, and his father- and mother-in-law.