Richard W. Lenz

Richard Walter “Rich” Lenz, age 72 of Kenosha, died on Friday, May 29, 2015 at Froedtert Memorial Hospital after battling a long illness.

Born in Kenosha on August 28, 1942, he was the son of the late Walter and Irene (Tanner) Lenz.  He attended local schools and was a 1960 graduate of Kenosha High School.  Rich received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

He served our country honorably in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of Sergeant.  Rich continued his military service in the Air Force until his retirement in 2002 as a Master Sergeant.  He proudly received both a Military Achievement Award and the Korean Defense Service Medal.

On August 30, 1969 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Barbara Lee Zastrow.  A devoted husband, they were blessed with 45 years of marriage.

Rich was employed as a college guidance counselor with Gateway Technical College for 39 years.  He retired in 2012.

Rich was known as a kind, gentle and compassionate man.  He gave his time and talent to the Kenosha Community.  Rich was on the Kenosha Aging and Disability Resource Center Board, the Kenosha Achievement Center Board and served a term on the Governor’s Education Task Force.

He selflessly devoted himself to his family and treasured the special time he spent with his daughter, Denise who has special needs.  Rich was a positive role model, mentor and inspiration to many especially his niece and nephew, Jill Hall and Daniel Marinelli.

Rich enjoyed playing recreational basketball and softball.  He was an avid reader and a history buff.

He will always be remembered by his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara, his three children, Denise, Michael and Mark, and his grandson, Miles.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Sue Bedore.