Leon H. Lentz

Leon H. Lentz, 74, of Liberty, IL passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. after a yearlong battle with cancer.
Leon was born on September 17, 1949, in Quincy, IL to Herbert and Mildred (Meyer) Lentz. He married the love of his life, Kathleen “Kay” Wiewel, on August 3, 1968. She survives.

Other survivors include his three children: Michelle (Mitch) Girardin, of Fowler, Susan (Spencer) Lefringhouse and Michael (Jennifer Bradbury) Lentz, of Liberty;
five grandchildren: Luke Girardin, Alex Girardin, Ashley (Brady) Long, Courtney Lefringhouse and Jack Lentz; two sisters: Lorrie (Eugene) Klauser, and Lois (Richard) Knuffman, of Liberty.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Leroy Lentz.

Leon graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1967. He studied air conditioning and refrigeration at Quincy Technical School.
While in school, he worked part-time milking cows at Deter’s Dairy. Shortly after graduation, he was employed full-time in the plant and eventually became processing plant supervisor.
In 1982, he began a 34-year long career with Prairie Farms Dairy as a field representative in charge of quality control. In 2006, the Missouri Dairy Association awarded him fieldman of the year.

Leon was a member of both St. Anthony’s and St. Brigid’s parishes. He was a 40-year member of the Liberty Lions Club where he served as president in 2022-23.
In addition, he was a member of the Adams County Beef Producers and the Illinois Farm Bureau. He also participated in Adams County People Who Care activities.

Leon and Kay resided in Quincy for 16 years before moving to Liberty, where they enjoyed working on the family farm for over 40 years.
Leon was a kind, generous, hardworking man who had several pastimes including; playing euchre, hunting, fishing and attending St. Louis Cardinal baseball games with family and friends.
In his younger years, he also enjoyed pitching horseshoes and boating on the Mississippi River.
Most recently, he really looked forward to “Deer Camp” every winter. It was a combination of hunting, cards, and plenty of shenanigans with close friends, where stories and memories will live on forever.

Leon never knew a stranger. His sense of humor and gift for gab made him an abundance of friends over his lifetime. He will be dearly missed by many.

One last thing we are sure he would like to tell all his euchre buddies…I’m going hearts alone and I’ve never lost.

Funeral services will be Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty. Rev. Scott Snider to officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Interment will be in St. Brigid Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Liberty Education Foundation or Blessing Hospice. Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com

15 Comments

  1. JIM FUNK on June 10, 2024 at 11:33 pm

    Kay and family, our prayers are with you. Leon was a great role model and public servant. All will miss him. Jim and Melba Funk

  2. Rich and Diana Keller on June 11, 2024 at 6:17 am

    So so sorry for your loss.

  3. Debbie Fleer on June 11, 2024 at 9:28 am

    So sorry for your loss…prayers for the family❤️🙏🏻

  4. Terry Hester on June 11, 2024 at 9:50 am

    So sorry for your loss!!

  5. Janice Zanger on June 11, 2024 at 10:09 am

    Kay, Michelle, Susan. Mike and families, We are so sorry for your loss. Hoping you find comfort knowing he is no longer in pain and in the arms of Jesus and the many angels in heaven. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to make the services but will keep your family in our prayers. Mike & Janice (Genenbacher) Zanger

  6. Dwight Seeley on June 11, 2024 at 10:44 am

    Kay,
    I am so sorry to hear of Leon’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family.
    Dwight Seeley

  7. Kurtis behrens on June 11, 2024 at 4:51 pm

    Sorry for your loss I will miss him

  8. JoAnn Witte on June 11, 2024 at 4:53 pm

    Kay we are sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort & peace to you & your family ❤️

  9. Cheryl Wobbe on June 12, 2024 at 7:53 am

    Kay, prayers and hugs for you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and support from your friends and family.

  10. Deborah and Dennis Powell on June 12, 2024 at 10:20 am

    Kay, we are so sorry for your loss! Prayers for your family.

  11. Carolyn Waterkotte on June 13, 2024 at 4:42 pm

    Kay and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss and my Prayers are always with you.

  12. Marcia Elliott on June 13, 2024 at 6:51 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort through this difficult time. He will be very missed by not only your family but the Liberty community.

  13. Margaret Hanzel on June 14, 2024 at 3:03 pm

    Kay and family,
    We are all better people for knowing Leon and blessed for the opportunity to do part of our lives with you both and your family.

    God bless you,
    Dewey, Margaret, Lane and Olivia

  14. Darcy Dillon on June 15, 2024 at 5:42 pm

    Kay and family. I’m so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you all! He was such a great guy and awesome neighbor, years ago. His memory will live on!

    Love,
    Darcy Dillon

  15. Connie Deters Schrage on June 16, 2024 at 10:33 am

    Kay, Lorrie, and Lois, I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Peace to you with many happy memories.

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